Minimal Image Viewer

Minimal Image Viewer is a lightweight, open-source Windows app for secure image viewing—ideal for privacy-focused users needing speed and precision.

A Secure, Minimalist Image Viewer Built for Precision

Minimal Image Viewer is a compact, high-performance image viewer for Windows, built with C++ and designed for users who demand both speed and security. Weighing in at just ~360KB, this open-source application delivers everything essential—without the bloat. It’s engineered for environments where operational security (OpSec) and minimal system impact are critical.

Designed for Secure, Low-Footprint Viewing

Unlike typical image viewers that bundle telemetry or third-party libraries, Minimal Image Viewer prioritizes a minimal attack surface. The codebase is intentionally small—around 700 lines—making it easily auditable and reducing potential vulnerabilities. There’s no telemetry, no background processes, and no persistent system changes. Once you close the app, it leaves no trace beyond the executable.

Memory is tightly managed, with rigorous static analysis ensuring no leaks or overflows. Files are opened using shared access flags (FILE_SHARE_READ | FILE_SHARE_WRITE) to avoid locking issues or exploit risks. Even instance management is handled securely—launching a second instance simply passes its arguments to the first.

Feature-Rich, Without the Clutter

Despite its minimalist approach, Minimal Image Viewer supports a wide range of image formats via Windows Imaging Component (WIC)—including popular types like JPEG, PNG, and WebP, as well as RAW formats from most major camera manufacturers. You can save edited images without altering their original format, and even rotate images while preserving format fidelity using atomic save operations.

Its borderless interface offers a distraction-free viewing experience, and dynamic cursor feedback makes window resizing intuitive.

Who It's For

Whether you're a privacy-conscious professional, working in secure IT environments, or just someone who appreciates fast, reliable tools without unnecessary extras—Minimal Image Viewer delivers exactly what you need, and nothing you don't.