How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 and 11
Can't open a HEIC file on your PC? Here's how to open HEIC files on Windows with the right Photos add-ons, or turn them into JPG for free in your browser.
Updated · 4 min read
Use the free HEIC to JPG ConverterTurn HEIC files into JPG in seconds. Batch convert as many as you like.No sign-up, no upload – runs in your browserConvert nowWondering how to open a HEIC file on your PC? On Windows 10 and 11, the Photos app can open a HEIC file once you add two small extensions from the Microsoft Store: HEIF Image Extensions (free) and HEVC Video Extensions (about $0.99). If you'd rather not install anything, convert the photo to JPG with the free ConvertLime HEIC to JPG converter – it then opens in every app.
Why HEIC files won't open on Windows
HEIC is the photo format iPhones and iPads use. The picture inside is squeezed with a method called HEVC, which Microsoft doesn't include in Windows for free. So when you double-click a HEIC file, you may see:
- A blank or grey icon in File Explorer
- "We can't open this file" in the Photos app
- A prompt asking you to get an extension from the Microsoft Store
The photo itself is fine. Windows just doesn't have the right add-on yet. For the background, see what a HEIC file is.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Install needed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIF + HEVC extensions | About $0.99 | Yes, from Microsoft Store | HEIC opens in Photos, Paint and File Explorer previews |
| Convert to JPG with ConvertLime | Free | No | A JPG that opens in every app and website |
| Open in an app with its own HEIC support | Varies | Yes | HEIC opens in that one app only |
| Change the iPhone setting | Free | No | Future photos arrive as JPG |
How to open a HEIC file with the Windows extensions
- Open the Microsoft Store app (search for "Store" in the Start menu).
- Search for HEIF Image Extensions. If it says Install, install it. It's free and often already there.
- Search for HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft. Buy and install it – it usually costs about $0.99.
- Close the Photos app if it's open, then double-click your HEIC file.
The photo should now open in Photos. File Explorer will also start showing thumbnails, and Paint can open the photos too.
Look closely before you pay: some laptops come with HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer already installed, and that version works just as well.
How to open HEIC files without installing anything
If you can't install apps (a work or school PC, for example), or you just need to look at the photo and send it on, converting is quicker.
- Open the HEIC to JPG converter in Edge, Chrome or Firefox.
- Drag the HEIC files from File Explorer into the box.
- Each photo converts in a second – right on your PC, without being uploaded.
- Click Download or Download all as ZIP.
- Double-click the JPG. It opens in Photos straight away.
Other handy options from the same place:
- HEIC to PNG – a copy with no compression, good for printing or editing.
- HEIC to PDF – several photos combined into one document you can email.
- HEIF to JPG – for photos ending in .heif rather than .heic, such as some Android phones.
For a full walk-through of the built-in Photos and Paint methods, see how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows.
Opening HEIC on other devices
- Mac: double-click the file. Preview opens HEIC with nothing extra to install. To make copies for Windows users, follow our Mac conversion guide.
- iPhone and iPad: HEIC opens in Photos and Files automatically.
- Android: Google Photos and most up-to-date gallery apps show HEIC photos.
- Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive: these usually show a preview in the browser, but downloading still gives you a HEIC file.
Stop receiving HEIC files
If the photos come from your own iPhone:
- On the iPhone, open Settings → Photos and set Transfer to Mac or PC to Automatic. Photos copied to your PC by cable then arrive as JPG.
- To make the iPhone take JPG photos, go to Settings → Camera → Formats and choose Most Compatible.
If the photos come from someone else, ask them to email the photos (iPhones usually send JPGs by email) or share the converter link with them. Not sure which format is better to keep? Our HEIC vs JPEG guide compares them.
Still won't open?
The extensions are installed but Photos still shows an error. Restart your PC, then try again. Also check Windows Update for Store app updates.
The file ends in .HEIC but is tiny or 0 KB. The download or copy may have failed. Copy it from the phone or cloud again.
It's a .MOV file, not a photo. That's the motion part of a Live Photo. It's a short video, and the matching .HEIC file is the still picture.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open a HEIC file on Windows?
HEIC photos use a compression method that Windows doesn't include by default. You need the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or you can convert the photo to JPG.
Is there a free way to open HEIC files on Windows?
Yes. Convert the photo to JPG with a free browser tool such as ConvertLime, then it opens in any app. Some PCs also come with the HEVC extension already installed.
What is the difference between HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions?
HEIF Image Extensions lets Windows understand the HEIC file itself. HEVC Video Extensions decodes the picture inside it. For iPhone photos you normally need both.
Can I open HEIC files in Chrome or Edge?
Generally no. Most web browsers can't show HEIC photos. A browser converter can still read them and turn them into JPG for you.
How do I open a HEIC file on Android?
Google Photos and most recent gallery apps on Android can show HEIC photos. If an app can't, convert the photo to JPG in your phone's browser.