How to Open HEIC Files on Windows (or Convert Them to JPEG)

Apple’s iPhone and iPad take photos in the HEIF image format by default. These photos have the HEIC file extension. Windows 10 or Windows 11 can view HEIC files in just a few clicks—or you can convert them to standard JPEGs and view them anywhere.

How to View HEIC Files in Windows 10’s Photos App

 

On modern versions of Windows 10, you can install support for HEIC image files in just a few clicks. This works on Windows 11, too.

 

First, locate an HEIC file in File Explorer on your computer and double-click it. If you’re asked which application you want to open it in, select “Photos.”

 

Tip: If the HEIC file doesn’t open in the Photos app, right-click the HEIC file and select Open With > Photos.

A HEIC file displayed without a thumbnail in File Explorer on Windows 10.

 

The Photos app will tell you that “the HEIF Image Extension is required to display this file.” Click the “Download and install it now” link to get it from the Microsoft Store. It’s a free download, and installing it will only take a few moments.

 

Note: You will also need the HEVC Video Extensions package installed. This usually costs $0.99. We have a way you can get the HEVC Video Extensions for free. If that method doesn’t work and you don’t want to spend $0.99, we recommend you download a free solution we cover below instead.

 

When Windows asks “Did you mean to switch apps?,” select “Yes.”

 

This will open the HEIF Image Extensions page in the Microsoft Store app. Click the “Install” button to download and install support for HEIC image files (which use the HEIF format.)

 

Select "Install" to download HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store.

 

Now, when you open an HEIC image in the Photos app, you’ll be able to view it like you would any other image file, like a JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP.

 

A HEIC file displayed in Windows 10's Photos app.

 

Windows 10’s File Explorer will automatically generate and display thumbnails for your HEIC image files, too.