How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 11 and 10

Updated October 15, 2026 · 3 min read

Double-click an iPhone photo on a Windows PC and you might get a perfect picture, an error, or a prompt to buy something from the Microsoft Store. Here’s why, and how to open HEIC files on Windows 11 and 10 — including free options.

Does Windows 11 support HEIC?

Yes — but through add-ons, not the core system:

  • HEIF Image Extensions (free, by Microsoft) teaches Windows the HEIF container format.
  • HEVC Video Extensions decodes the HEVC-compressed image inside. It’s sold for a small fee in the Microsoft Store. Some PCs have a free OEM version preinstalled, or offer HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer.

Many Windows 11 PCs already include the HEIF extension, which is why HEIC opens on some computers and not others. Both are needed for iPhone photos; HEIF Image Extensions for Windows explains exactly what each does.

Method 1: Install Microsoft’s extensions

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Search for HEIF Image Extensions and click Get (or Install).
  3. Search for HEVC Video Extensions and install it.
  4. Restart the Photos app (or your PC).

Now HEIC files open in Photos, show thumbnails in File Explorer, and can be opened in Paint and other apps that use Windows’ image codecs.

Method 2: Use a free viewer

Several free image viewers decode HEIC themselves and don’t need the HEVC extension. We compare the options — including XnView MP, IrfanView and GIMP — in Best free HEIC viewers for Windows.

Method 3: CopyTrans HEIC for Windows

CopyTrans HEIC is a free (for home use) plugin that adds HEIC thumbnails to File Explorer, lets the classic Windows Photo Viewer open HEIC files, and adds a right-click “Convert to JPEG”. Wondering if it’s trustworthy? See CopyTrans HEIC for Windows: is it safe?

Method 4: Convert to JPG (no installs at all)

If you just need to see or use the photos — especially on a work PC where you can’t install anything — convert them:

  1. Open the HEIC to JPG converter in Edge or Chrome.
  2. Drag the HEIC files in.
  3. Download the JPGs or a ZIP.

The photos are converted on your PC, not uploaded. More Windows conversion methods are in How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10 and 11.

Need the photos as a document for a form instead? The HEIC to PDF converter combines them into one PDF the same way.

Method 5: Preview in Google Drive

Upload the HEIC file to Google Drive in your browser and click it to preview. Useful for a quick look, but not for editing or uploading elsewhere.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11

The process is the same on both: install the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store. On Windows 10, make sure you’re on a supported version and that the Microsoft Store is up to date, or the extensions may not install.

Still not working?

If HEIC files still won’t open after installing the extensions — or you see “This file format isn’t supported” — work through Can’t open HEIC files on Windows? How to fix it.

Stop getting HEIC files on your PC

When copying photos from an iPhone over USB, set Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic on the iPhone so Windows receives JPGs. See How to turn off HEIC on iPhone for more.

Frequently asked questions

Does Windows 11 support HEIC?

Yes, through Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions. Many Windows 11 PCs come with the HEIF extension preinstalled; the HEVC codec is the part that's often missing.

How can I view HEIC files on Windows for free?

Install the free HEIF Image Extensions plus a free HEVC option if your PC offers one, use a free viewer that has its own decoder, or convert the photos to JPG in your browser.

How do I open HEIC on Windows 11 without the extension?

Use a viewer with built-in HEIC support (such as XnView MP or GIMP), preview the file in Google Drive, or convert it to JPG with a browser-based converter.