CConvert HEIC

How to open HEIC files on Windows

"Windows Photo Viewer can't open this picture" — two real fixes, depending on whether you want a permanent solution or a quick one.

This happens because Windows doesn't include the HEVC codec HEIC photos are compressed with — Microsoft doesn't bundle it for licensing reasons, unlike Apple, which builds it into every device. There are two genuinely different ways to fix it, depending on what you need.

Option 1: Install Microsoft's official codec

This is the permanent fix if you deal with HEIC files regularly on your own PC — after installing it, HEIC photos open normally in File Explorer, Photos, and most other apps, same as any other image.

  1. 1Open the Microsoft Store app on your PC.
  2. 2Search for "HEIF Image Extensions" and install it — it's free, published by Microsoft.
  3. 3If your version of Windows also needs it, install "HEVC Video Extensions" the same way — some Windows versions bundle HEVC support already, others need this too.
  4. 4Restart File Explorer (or just your PC) so the new codec takes effect.

Option 2: Convert the files to JPG

Faster if you just need one or a handful of photos to open right now, don't have admin rights on the machine you're using, or want the files to work on absolutely any device going forward — not just this one PC, once, after an install.

  1. 1Open our HEIC to JPG converter.
  2. 2Drag your HEIC files in, or click to browse for them.
  3. 3Download the converted JPGs — individually, or all at once as a zip.
Convert HEIC to JPG →
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Frequently asked questions

Why can't Windows open HEIC files by default?

HEIC uses HEVC compression, and Microsoft doesn't ship that codec with Windows for licensing reasons. Apple builds it into every Apple device, which is why HEIC just works there.

Is the Microsoft Store codec free?

The HEIF Image Extensions are free. Microsoft also sells an HEVC Video Extensions pack that HEIF Image Extensions depends on in some Windows versions — if photos still won't open after installing HEIF Image Extensions, check whether that's also needed on your version of Windows.

Which option should I use?

If it's your own PC and you'll be dealing with HEIC files regularly, install the codec once and be done with it. If you're on a shared or work computer, or just need one photo to open right now, converting is faster and needs no installation or admin rights.

Will converted JPGs work on any version of Windows?

Yes — JPG has been universally supported since long before HEIC existed. No codec, extension, or extra software needed.