How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 (4 Free Ways)
How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 (4 Free Ways)
Windows 10 can’t open HEIC photos out of the box. Here are four free fixes, from fastest to most permanent.
Why Windows 10 can’t open HEIC
HEIC is Apple’s photo format (default on iPhones since 2017). Microsoft didn’t build HEIC support into Windows 10 — it sells it as a small Store extension instead. So when you copy iPhone photos to your PC, you get files that won’t open, won’t preview, and won’t import into many programs.
Method 1: Convert to JPG in your browser (fastest)
- Open our free HEIC to JPG converter in Edge or Chrome.
- Drop your HEIC files in, click Convert to JPG, download the results.
Nothing to install, works in 30 seconds, and your photos never upload anywhere. If you just need to view or share the photos, this is all you need.
Method 2: Install the free HEIF Image Extensions
- Open the Microsoft Store on Windows 10.
- Search for “HEIF Image Extensions” (by Microsoft).
- Install it (free), then also install “HEVC Video Extensions” — the HEIF extension needs it.
- Restart the Photos app. HEIC files should now open and show thumbnails.
Heads-up: the HEVC extension sometimes costs $0.99 in some regions. If it asks for payment, skip to Method 1 or 3.
Method 3: Use a free HEIC viewer (CopyTrans / IrfanView)
CopyTrans HEIC for Windows is a free plugin that adds HEIC support to Windows Photo Viewer and lets you right-click → convert to JPG. IrfanView (with its plugins pack) also opens HEIC and batch-converts. Both are free for personal use.
Method 4: Ask the iPhone to send JPGs
If you still have the iPhone: go to Settings → Photos and set “Transfer to Mac or PC” → Automatic. Next time you copy photos via cable, the iPhone converts them to JPG during transfer. This only helps for future transfers.
Skip the installs — convert right here, free.
Convert HEIC to JPG Free
Full walkthrough: how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows (covers Windows 11 too).
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t Windows 10 open HEIC files?
Microsoft didn’t include HEIC codecs in Windows 10. You need the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or just convert the files to JPG.
Is the HEIF Image Extension really free?
The HEIF extension itself is free, but it requires the HEVC Video Extensions, which costs $0.99 in some regions.
Can Windows 10 Photos app open HEIC?
Only after you install the HEIF/HEVC extensions. Without them, Photos shows an error.
What’s the easiest way to view HEIC on Windows 10?
Convert to JPG in your browser — no installs, works in under a minute.
Will Windows 11 open HEIC files?
Windows 11 has the same limitation — you still need the extensions or a converter. See our Windows guide.