How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 and 11

You copied photos from an iPhone and Windows shows blank icons that nothing wants to open. That is HEIC, Apple's default photo format. Here are the three practical ways to deal with it on Windows.

Option 1: Install Microsoft's HEIF extensions

Microsoft ships free "HEIF Image Extensions" in the Microsoft Store. After installing, Photos and the file explorer preview will display HEIC files. The catch: the companion "HEVC Video Extensions" needed for some files historically cost $0.99, and third-party apps (older Photoshop, office software, web upload forms) may still refuse the files.

Option 2: Convert to JPG (universal)

Converting HEIC to JPG takes seconds and the result opens literally everywhere: any Windows version, Android, smart TVs, web forms. Batch conversion handles a whole vacation folder at once. If you need lossless quality for editing, use HEIC to PNG instead.

Option 3: Stop the iPhone from shooting HEIC

On the iPhone: Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible". New photos will be saved as JPG. Note they will take about twice the storage, and your existing HEIC photos stay HEIC.

Which to choose?

For occasionally received files, convert online with nothing to install. For daily work with an iPhone camera, install the extensions AND keep a converter bookmarked for the apps that still refuse HEIC.