How to Open HEIC Files on Windows

Why Windows cannot open HEIC

iPhones save photos as HEIC (also called HEIF) by default. It makes smaller files than JPEG. Windows does not include the decoder for it. When you open such a photo in the Photos app, Microsoft says you may see the message You need an extension to use this file.

You have three ways to fix this. Pick one.

Option 1: Install the two Microsoft Store extensions

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Install HEIF Image Extensions. Microsoft lists it as free. The Store page of the app is named HEIF Image Extension.
3. Install HEVC Video Extensions. Microsoft's help article lists it at $0.99.
4. Restart the Photos app, or restart Windows if the files still do not open.

Microsoft says you need both extensions, even if you only want to view photos. Its Store page for the HEIF extension says that the HEVC package is needed for files with the .heic, .hif or .heif extension, and that the AV1 Video Extension is needed for .avif files.

The price comes from Microsoft's support article, which we read on November 8, 2026. Prices can differ between regions and change over time, so look at the Store listing.

Option 2: Make the iPhone save JPEG

On the iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and tap Most Compatible. Apple says that all new photos and videos then use JPEG or H.264. To go back to the smaller files, choose High Efficiency.

This changes only new photos. It does not convert the HEIC photos that you already have.

You can also adjust one transfer. In the Photos app, tap the share button, tap Options and choose Most Compatible. Apple says that files may then convert to JPEG. Microsoft also notes that many devices convert photos automatically when you plug in the phone or email the files to yourself, and that you may need to change the Camera settings on your phone for this to work.

Option 3: Convert HEIC to JPG in your browser

If you have a pile of HEIC files and no wish to install codecs, convert them:

1. Open the HEIC to JPG converter.
2. Add your HEIC photos. You can add up to 300 files per batch, each up to 50 MB.
3. Download the JPG files. Several files come as one ZIP.

The conversion runs in your browser, and your photos are not uploaded. The page also removes the GPS location and the camera details from each JPG. The first time you add a HEIC photo, WipePic loads a HEIC decoder into the browser tab. That is a download to your device, not an upload of your photo.

Converting changes the pixels, because JPG is lossy. You can also convert to PNG if you want lossless output, and the files will be larger.

If the photo still does not open

• Check that both extensions are installed. The HEIF extension alone is not enough for most iPhone photos.
• Close and open the Photos app again, or restart Windows.
• Remember that a web browser is a separate case. WipePic's converter notes say that Chrome, Edge and Firefox cannot open HEIC, so an upload form on a website may refuse the file. Convert the photo to JPG first.
• If you only need one photo on a website, option 3 is the fastest way, because it needs no install.

Keep the HEIC and only remove the metadata

You do not have to convert to share a photo safely. Remove metadata from HEIC cleans the file and keeps it as HEIC, without re-encoding, so the pixels do not change. The recipient still needs a program that can open HEIC. If they do not have one, send a JPG instead.

Sources

Microsoft: Photos app Video Editor error: Can't view this file type and the HEIF Image Extension Store page. Apple: Apple Support: camera formats for HEIF and HEVC and the iPhone user guide, share photos. All read on November 8, 2026.