XnView Software

XnViewMP 1.8.3 64bit
Windows11 (24H2), display resolution 3840x2160, win scaling 150%

Browser / Viewer
there is difference in raw image rendering when using shortcut

to reproduce
1. have raw file in folder (eg blackbird.nef, 19Mb [source]) + its shortcut
2. open folder in Browser

issue A
3. click on original
it renders as expected in Preview pane
4. click on shortcut
it renders lighter than original in Preview pane

issue B
5. double click on shortcut to open file in Viewer
it renders lighter than original in Viewer

i can't reproduce, which nef file do you use?

I have updated post with some details

Thanks to your detailed description I can reproduce the problem.

This problem is supposed to be fixed in XnView MP 1.9.0. Please check and confirm the bug fix here.

fixed in 190