To open HEIC files on Windows 10, install two add-ons from the Microsoft Store: HEIF Image Extensions (free) and HEVC Video Extensions (a small one-time fee, usually $0.99). After that, .heic photos open in the Photos app like any other picture, and File Explorer shows thumbnails. If you’d rather not install anything, you can set your iPhone to transfer photos as JPEG instead, or convert the files.
HEIC is the format iPhones use by default since iOS 11. It keeps photos at about half the size of a JPEG, but Windows 10 doesn’t include the codecs needed to read it. Here are all the ways to open and convert HEIC files, including free options.
Which option should you use?
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Install HEIF + HEVC extensions | HEVC usually $0.99 | Opening HEIC photos in Photos and seeing thumbnails |
| Change the iPhone transfer setting | Free | Getting JPEGs when you copy photos over USB |
| Change the iPhone camera format | Free | Taking all future photos as JPEG |
| Convert with a free program | Free | Converting a batch of files you already have |
Method 1: Install the HEIF and HEVC extensions
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Search for HEIF Image Extensions and click Get (or Install). It’s free and may already be installed.
- Search for HEVC Video Extensions and buy it. It usually costs $0.99.
- Restart the Photos app, then double-click a .heic file to open it.
Why both? HEIF Image Extensions reads the HEIC container, but iPhone photos inside it are compressed with the HEVC codec. Without HEVC Video Extensions, Photos may show an error or ask you to install the codec. Some PCs come with a free version called HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer. Check Library in the Microsoft Store to see if you already have it.
Turn on thumbnails in File Explorer
Once both extensions are installed, File Explorer should show previews. If you still see generic icons, open File Explorer, click View > Options > View tab, and uncheck Always show icons, never thumbnails.
Method 2: Have your iPhone send JPEGs to your PC
If you copy photos to your PC with a USB cable, your iPhone can convert them for you.
- On your iPhone, open Settings > Apps > Photos (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings > Photos).
- Scroll to Transfer to Mac or PC and choose Automatic.
Your iPhone now converts photos to JPEG as you import them. Choose Keep Originals only if you want the HEIC files.
Method 3: Shoot photos as JPEG
- On your iPhone, open Settings > Apps > Camera > Formats (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings > Camera > Formats).
- Choose Most Compatible.
New photos are saved as JPEG and take up more storage. Existing HEIC photos don’t change. Some features, like 4K at 60 fps video and certain ProRAW or high-resolution modes, need High Efficiency.
Method 4: Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10
- Photos app: After installing the extensions in Method 1, open the photo and look for Save as or Save a copy (in the three-dot menu or the editing view, depending on your version of Photos), then pick JPG if it offers a format choice. If it doesn’t, use Paint below.
- Paint: With the extensions installed, open the file in Paint and choose File > Save as > JPEG picture.
- Free desktop programs: Image viewers such as IrfanView (with its plugins) or GIMP can open HEIC files and batch-convert them. Download them only from the developer’s official website.
- Online converters: These work, but you’re uploading your photos to someone else’s server. Avoid them for personal or sensitive pictures.
Troubleshooting
- “This file format isn’t supported” or a codec error: Install HEVC Video Extensions, then restart your PC.
- Microsoft Store won’t open or install apps: Make sure Windows is up to date in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and that you’re signed in to the Store with a Microsoft account.
- The file ends in .heif or .hif: These are the same format family and open the same way.
- Live Photos: The photo opens as a still image. The short video part is saved as a separate .mov file.
Related: How to open JPG files in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free way to open HEIC files on Windows 10?
Yes. You can change your iPhone’s transfer or camera settings so you get JPEGs, check whether your PC already has the free manufacturer version of HEVC, or use a free converter program.
Does Windows 11 open HEIC files?
Windows 11 has the same requirement. Most PCs need HEVC Video Extensions to view iPhone HEIC photos, though some come with the codec already installed.
Will converting HEIC to JPG lower the quality?
Slightly, because JPEG is less efficient. At normal quality settings, most people won’t notice a difference, but the file will be larger.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.