If your computer does not open a NEF (RAW) file from your camera, then you do not have a software application installed that can read that file type.
Windows Codec
You can open NEF files on a Windows computer using the Nikon codec without any additional photo editing software.
NX Studio
Please ensure you have the latest version of the software which supports NEF (RAW) files from the latest camera models. Visit the Download Centre (Mac/Win) and check the download page for a list of compatible cameras. Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras are fully supported on the latest operating systems.
Camera Control Pro 2
Some older cameras, the D2X, D2XS, D2H, D2HS, D200, D100, D80, D70, D70S, D50, D40X, and D40 were supported up to ver. 2.11.0 Updater for Windows and ver. 2.11.1 Updater for Macintosh. Later versions of the software do not support NEF (RAW) files for those cameras, please contact customer support should you require a copy of the software. The current version of Camera Control Pro 2 is available from the Download Centre (Mac/Win) and supports cameras released after those listed above which use the software.
Third-party applications
Photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom or Capture One, etc. can open NEF files from some Nikon cameras, however, we are unable to address problems arising from the use of third-party software. This includes issues related to compatibility, functionality, and troubleshooting of such software. We recommend contacting Customer Support of the respective software application.
New software versions are made available when Nikon releases a new camera/firmware to make it compatible with NEF (RAW) files for that camera as well as previous models. Sometimes there can be a delay in the third-party company releasing the software update.
For more information, please contact Nikon Customer Support.
