How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 and 11
You transferred photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC and got hit with “This file format is not supported.” Here’s how to fix that.
Why Windows can’t open HEIC files by default
Windows doesn’t include HEIC support out of the box because the format uses HEVC (H.265) compression, which requires a patent license. Microsoft chose not to bundle this codec to avoid licensing costs, leaving users to install it separately.
Method 1: Convert HEIC to JPG in your browser (fastest)
The quickest way to open HEIC files is to convert them to JPG, which every application supports. Visit heic.site and drag your HEIC files into the browser. The conversion happens entirely on your computer — nothing gets uploaded to any server.
This method works on any Windows version, requires no software installation, and handles batch conversions.
Method 2: Install the HEVC codec from Microsoft
If you want Windows to open HEIC files natively in the Photos app and File Explorer:
- Open the Microsoft Store
- Search for “HEVC Video Extensions” (by Microsoft Corporation)
- Install the extension ($0.99, or free on some OEM installations)
- Restart your PC if needed
After installation, Windows Photo Viewer, the Photos app, and File Explorer thumbnails will all work with HEIC files.
Note: There’s also a free version called “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer” that comes pre-installed on some PCs. Search for it in the Microsoft Store — if it appears as “Installed,” you already have it.
Method 3: Use a third-party image viewer
Several free image viewers handle HEIC natively:
- IrfanView (with plugins) — lightweight, fast, supports batch conversion
- XnView — free for personal use, handles hundreds of formats
- FastStone Image Viewer — full-featured with HEIC support
Which method should you use?
| Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Quick one-off conversion | Method 1 (browser) |
| Want HEIC support system-wide | Method 2 (codec) |
| Already use a third-party viewer | Method 3 |
| Batch converting many files | Method 1 (browser, ZIP download) |
| Privacy-sensitive photos | Method 1 (nothing leaves your PC) |
Preventing the problem
If you regularly receive HEIC files and want to avoid dealing with them entirely, you can ask iPhone users in your life to change one setting: Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible. This makes the camera save photos as JPG instead of HEIC. The tradeoff is doubled storage usage on their iPhone.
Alternatively, when iPhone users share photos via iMessage, email, or AirDrop to a non-Apple device, iOS automatically converts to JPG. The HEIC issue mainly occurs when transferring files directly via USB cable or accessing iCloud photos on a PC.