Windows Photos · HEIC/HEIF Guide · Updated 2026

How to Open HEIC and HEIF Files in Windows

A complete guide for Windows 10 and Windows 11: install the correct image extension, add the HEVC codec when required, open iPhone photos in the Photos app, and convert HEIC files to JPG or PNG.

📖 8 min read 🖥 Windows 10 & 11 🖼 iPhone Photos 🔧 Codec Fixes
Overview

What Are HEIC and HEIF Files in Windows?

HEIC is a common file extension for images stored in the HEIF container format. You will often see these files after copying photos from an iPhone, iPad, some Android phones, or cloud photo services. The format can keep high image quality while using less disk space than a traditional JPG file.

The important detail is that HEIF is the container, while the actual image data may use a codec such as HEVC. That is why one Windows PC may open a HEIC photo immediately, while another PC shows a message such as We can’t open this file or Install a codec to use this file.

🖼️

.heic

The most common extension for HEIF photos, especially photos copied from Apple devices.

📦

.heif

The broader HEIF image format name. Some cameras and apps use this extension instead of .heic.

🎬

HEVC codec

A compression technology that Windows may need before it can decode some HEIF photos and HEVC videos.

ℹ️
Quick answer In most cases, install HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store first. If the Photos app still cannot open the file, install HEVC Video Extensions as well, then restart the Photos app.
Cause

Why Windows 10 or Windows 11 Cannot Open HEIC Files

Windows may fail to open a HEIC or HEIF photo when the required extension is missing, the Photos app is outdated, the file was copied incorrectly, or the image uses a codec that is not installed on the PC.

Common reasons

  • HEIF Image Extensions is not installed.
  • The photo needs the HEVC Video Extensions package to decode the image data.
  • The Photos app or Microsoft Store app is outdated.
  • The PC runs a Windows N edition without required media components.
  • The file was damaged during transfer from a phone or cloud service.

Typical symptoms

  • Photos shows We can’t open this file.
  • File Explorer shows a generic icon instead of a thumbnail.
  • The preview pane is blank or shows an unsupported file message.
  • A HEIC converter refuses to load the file.
  • The same file opens on an iPhone or Mac but not in Windows.

Do not rename .heic to .jpg. Renaming only changes the file name, not the image format. Windows still needs a proper codec or a real conversion step.

Methods

Best Ways to Open HEIC Files in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Choose the method based on what you need: viewing, thumbnails, editing, or conversion. The Microsoft Store extension is the cleanest option because it integrates HEIC support into Windows apps such as Photos and File Explorer.

Method 1

Install HEIF Image Extensions

Add native HEIF image support to Windows so Photos and File Explorer can read HEIC and HEIF files.

Recommended
Method 2

Add HEVC Video Extensions

Use this when HEIF support is installed but some HEIC photos still do not open.

Codec fix
Method 3

Convert to JPG or PNG

Create a more compatible copy for websites, older programs, document editors, and devices that do not support HEIC.

Compatibility
Method 1

Install HEIF Image Extensions to Open HEIC Files in Windows

The first fix is to install HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store. This package lets Windows read and write HEIF images, including many files with the .heic extension.

  1. Open Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
  2. Search for HEIF Image Extensions.
  3. Open the Microsoft listing and select Get or Install.
  4. After installation, close and reopen the Photos app.
  5. Double-click the .heic or .heif file again.
🔗
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pmmsr1cgpwg
✅
Best first step Use the official Microsoft Store listing when possible. It keeps the extension updated through the Store and avoids random codec packs from untrusted websites.

How to check if HEIF Image Extensions is already installed

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
  3. Search for HEIF.
  4. If HEIF Image Extensions appears in the list, it is already installed.
Method 2

Install HEVC Video Extensions If Windows Still Cannot Open HEIC

Some HEIC files need more than the image container extension. If the Photos app still refuses to open a HEIC file after installing HEIF Image Extensions, install HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store and try again.

  1. Open Microsoft Store.
  2. Search for HEVC Video Extensions.
  3. Install the Microsoft package shown in the Store.
  4. Close Photos and File Explorer windows that are trying to preview the file.
  5. Open the HEIC file again.
🔗
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nmzlz57r3t7
⚠️
Price note The HEVC package may be paid in some regions. The Microsoft Store shows the current price for your country, account, and Windows edition.

What about Windows N editions?

If you use a Windows 10 N or Windows 11 N edition, media features may be missing. Install the Media Feature Pack from Windows optional features first, then install the HEIF and HEVC extensions if needed.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps → Optional features.
  3. Select View features next to Add an optional feature.
  4. Search for Media Feature Pack.
  5. Install it and restart Windows if prompted.
Open Files

Open HEIC Files with Photos, Paint, or File Explorer

After the extensions are installed, Windows apps should recognize HEIC and HEIF images. You can open the file directly, choose a different app, or set Photos as the default viewer.

Open a HEIC file in the Photos app

  1. Right-click the .heic file.
  2. Select Open with → Photos.
  3. If Photos is not listed, select Choose another app.
  4. Pick Photos and enable Always if you want it as the default app for HEIC files.

Open a HEIC file in Paint

Paint can be useful when you need a quick conversion to a more common format. If Windows has the required HEIF/HEVC support, open the HEIC photo in Paint, then use File → Save as to create a JPG, PNG, BMP, or another supported format.

Preview HEIC thumbnails in File Explorer

When the codec is installed correctly, File Explorer can show HEIC thumbnails. If thumbnails still do not appear, restart File Explorer or clear the thumbnail cache.

Command Prompttaskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe
💡
Default app tip To change the default viewer later, open Settings → Apps → Default apps, search for .heic, and choose the app you prefer.
Conversion

How to Convert HEIC to JPG or PNG in Windows

Opening HEIC files is enough for personal viewing, but conversion is often better when you need to upload images to a website, insert them into an older document editor, send them to someone with an older PC, or reduce compatibility problems.

Convert HEIC to JPG with Paint

  1. Install the HEIF and HEVC components if the file does not open.
  2. Right-click the image and choose Open with → Paint.
  3. Select File → Save as.
  4. Choose JPEG picture or PNG picture.
  5. Save the converted copy to a new folder so you keep the original HEIC file.

Convert HEIC from the Photos app

Depending on the Photos app version installed on your PC, you may be able to use Save as, Save a copy, or export options to create a more compatible file. If the app only saves another HEIC copy, use Paint or a trusted converter instead.

Convert during iPhone transfer

Many iPhones can automatically transfer photos to a PC in a compatible format. This is useful if you do not want to install codecs on every Windows computer.

  1. On the iPhone, open Settings.
  2. Go to Photos.
  3. Scroll to Transfer to Mac or PC.
  4. Select Automatic.
  5. Reconnect the iPhone and copy the photos again.
⚠️
Privacy warning Avoid uploading private photos to unknown online converters. If the images contain documents, faces, addresses, screenshots, or personal data, use a local converter or Microsoft’s built-in apps instead.
Prevention

Change iPhone Camera Settings to Stop Creating HEIC Photos

If you regularly move photos to Windows PCs that do not support HEIC, you can make the iPhone save new photos in a more compatible format. This does not convert existing photos; it only affects future photos.

  1. Open Settings on the iPhone.
  2. Go to Camera → Formats.
  3. Select Most Compatible.
  4. New photos will be saved as JPG instead of HEIC.

Most Compatible

  • Uses JPG for photos.
  • Works better with older Windows apps.
  • Reduces the need for conversion later.

High Efficiency

  • Uses HEIC for photos.
  • Saves storage space on the phone.
  • May require Windows extensions or conversion.
Troubleshooting

Fix HEIC File Errors in Windows Photos and File Explorer

If Windows still cannot open the file, use the checks below. Start with app updates and codec installation before assuming the photo is corrupted.

Error: “We can’t open this file”

HEIC thumbnails do not appear in File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Select View → Show → disable Always show icons, never thumbnails if it is enabled.
  3. Open Disk Cleanup or Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files.
  4. Delete the Thumbnails cache.
  5. Restart File Explorer.

Microsoft Store cannot install the extension

Make sure Windows Update is working, sign in to Microsoft Store if required, and check that Store downloads are not blocked by a work or school policy. If the PC is managed by an organization, ask the administrator to allow the required app packages.

PowerShellGet-AppxPackage *HEIF*
Get-AppxPackage *HEVC*
Get-AppxPackage *Photos*
⛔
Avoid fake codec packs Do not install random codec packs from pop-up ads or unknown download sites. Use Microsoft Store or a trusted offline image viewer/converter from a reputable developer.
Comparison

HEIC Opening and Conversion Methods Compared

The table below helps you choose the safest and fastest method for your situation.

Method Best for Requires Notes
HEIF Image Extensions Opening most HEIC and HEIF photos in Windows Microsoft Store Best first step because it integrates with Photos and File Explorer.
HEVC Video Extensions HEIC files that still fail after HEIF support is installed Microsoft Store; may be paid in some regions Also helps with HEVC video playback in supported apps.
Paint conversion Creating JPG or PNG copies A working HEIC decoder Good local method when you do not want to upload images online.
iPhone Automatic transfer Copying compatible files from iPhone to PC iPhone Photos transfer setting Useful for future transfers, but it does not repair already copied files.
Online converter Non-private images when no Windows codec can be installed Internet upload Avoid for confidential, personal, or work-related photos.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About HEIC and HEIF Files in Windows

Q Can Windows 11 open HEIC files without extra software? ▼
Sometimes yes, depending on the Windows build, installed apps, and codecs. If a HEIC file does not open, install HEIF Image Extensions first and add HEVC Video Extensions if needed.
Q Is HEIC the same as HEIF? ▼
Not exactly. HEIF is the image container format, while HEIC is a common file extension used for HEIF images, especially on Apple devices.
Q Why does Microsoft Photos ask for HEVC when I only open a photo? ▼
Some HEIC photos store image data using HEVC compression. In that case, Windows may need the HEVC decoder even though the file is a still photo and not a video.
Q Can I convert HEIC to JPG by renaming the extension? ▼
No. Renaming photo.heic to photo.jpg does not convert the image. Use Paint, Photos export, iPhone automatic transfer, or a trusted converter to create a real JPG copy.
Q What is the safest way to open private HEIC photos? ▼
Use Microsoft Store extensions and local Windows apps such as Photos or Paint. Avoid uploading private images to online converters unless you fully trust the service and understand its privacy policy.
Q Why do HEIC thumbnails work for some photos but not others? ▼
The files may use different codecs or metadata. Install both HEIF and HEVC components, update Photos, clear the thumbnail cache, and test whether the same file opens directly in the Photos app.

Final Thoughts

To open HEIC or HEIF files in Windows, start with the official HEIF Image Extensions package. If a specific photo still fails, add HEVC Video Extensions, update the Photos app, and restart File Explorer. This solves most cases where iPhone photos show a generic icon or refuse to open in Windows.

If you need maximum compatibility, convert HEIC photos to JPG or PNG. For private images, use a local conversion method such as Paint instead of uploading the files to unknown online converters.