How to Open HEIC Files on Windows (3 Easy Methods)

You just transferred photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC, double-clicked one, and got an error: "This file type is not supported" or "Can't open this file." The photo is a .heic file, and Windows does not know what to do with it. This is one of the most common tech frustrations for anyone who uses an iPhone with a Windows computer, and you are far from alone.

The good news: it is easy to fix. Below are three methods to open and view HEIC photos on Windows, ranked from most convenient to most involved.

Why HEIC Files Don't Open on Windows by Default

In 2017, Apple switched the default photo format on iPhones from JPG to HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container). HEIC uses the HEIF standard to store photos at roughly half the file size of a JPG while maintaining the same image quality. This saves significant storage on your phone, which is why Apple chose it.

The catch is that HEIC is not universally supported. While macOS and iOS handle HEIC files natively, Windows does not include built-in support for the format. The Windows Photos app, File Explorer thumbnails, and most Windows programs will not recognize HEIC files unless you install additional codecs. Even some popular image editors and web browsers cannot open them directly.

This creates a mismatch: your iPhone takes great photos in an efficient format, but your PC cannot display them. Here is how to solve that.

Method 1: Install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store

Microsoft offers a free extension that adds HEIC viewing support to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Here is how to install it:

1. Open the Microsoft Store on your PC (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Search for "HEIF Image Extensions" and install the free extension by Microsoft.
3. Restart the Photos app or File Explorer if they were already open.

After installing, you should be able to preview HEIC images in File Explorer and open them in the Photos app. However, there is a significant caveat.

If you need a reliable, no-hassle solution that works every time, read on.

Method 2: Convert HEIC to JPG Online with FilePulp (Easiest)

The simplest way to deal with HEIC files on Windows is to convert them to JPG, the universally supported image format. You do not need to install anything at all.

FilePulp's HEIC to JPG converter is a free online tool that turns your HEIC photos into JPG files in seconds. Here is what makes it stand out:

• No installation required — it runs entirely in your web browser.
• Completely private — your photos are converted locally on your computer. They are never uploaded to any server. No one else ever sees your images.
• Batch conversion — drag and drop dozens of photos at once and download them all as JPGs.
• Free with no limits — no sign-up, no watermarks, no file size restrictions.

To use it, open the converter in any browser, drag your HEIC files onto the page (or click to browse), and download the converted JPGs. The whole process takes a few seconds.

Method 3: Use a Desktop Conversion App

If you prefer desktop software, several applications can convert or open HEIC files on Windows:

• IrfanView — a lightweight, free image viewer that supports HEIC with the appropriate plugin installed.
• XnConvert — a free batch image converter that handles HEIC among many other formats.
• Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom — recent versions support HEIC natively, but these are paid applications.
• GIMP — the free image editor can open HEIC files if you install the libheif library.

Desktop apps work well if you already have one installed, but they require downloading, installing, and sometimes configuring plugins. For most people who just need to open a few iPhone photos, an online converter is faster and easier.

Troubleshooting Common HEIC Issues on Windows

HEIF Extensions installed but photos still won't open

This usually means you are missing the HEVC Video Extensions codec. Search the Microsoft Store for "HEVC Video Extensions" (it costs $0.99). Alternatively, search for "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer," which is sometimes available for free if your PC manufacturer has a license agreement with Microsoft. If you would rather not deal with codecs, just convert the files to JPG using FilePulp.

HEIC thumbnails not showing in File Explorer

Even after installing extensions, File Explorer sometimes does not generate thumbnails immediately. Try restarting Explorer (right-click the taskbar, select "Task Manager," find "Windows Explorer," and click "Restart"). If thumbnails still do not appear, clearing the thumbnail cache can help: open Disk Cleanup, select your system drive, check "Thumbnails," and click OK.

Photos app opens the file but shows a black screen

This is a known issue with certain HEIC files, particularly those that include depth data or Live Photo data. The Photos app struggles with these. Converting the file to JPG strips out the extra data and gives you a clean, viewable image.

Converted JPGs look lower quality than the originals

This depends on the quality setting used during conversion. FilePulp converts at 92% JPG quality, which is visually indistinguishable from the original for nearly all photos. If you need lossless output, converting to PNG is an option, though file sizes will be larger.

How to Prevent the Problem: Change Your iPhone Camera Settings

If you regularly transfer photos to a Windows PC and want to avoid dealing with HEIC entirely, you can change your iPhone to shoot in JPG format from the start:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Tap Formats.
4. Select Most Compatible.

This tells your iPhone to save photos as JPG and videos as H.264 instead of HEIF/HEVC. The files will be slightly larger on your phone, but they will open on any device without conversion.

For photos you have already taken in HEIC format, changing the camera setting will not retroactively convert them. You will still need to convert those existing files using one of the methods above.

Which Method Should You Use?

For most people, Method 2 is the best choice. Converting with FilePulp takes seconds, works on any Windows version, requires no installation, and keeps your photos private since nothing leaves your computer. It is the fastest path from "I can't open this file" to having a usable JPG.

If you deal with HEIC files every day and want native support baked into Windows, install the extensions from Method 1 (and budget $0.99 for the HEVC codec). And if you want to stop the problem at the source, change your iPhone settings so it shoots in JPG going forward.

Related HEIC Guides

• What Is a HEIC File?
• Convert HEIC to PNG Free
• HEIC on Android: Open iPhone Photos