How to Open HEIC Files on Windows
You transferred photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC and now they won't open. The files have a .heic extension and Windows shows a blank icon or an error. This is the most common issue iPhone users run into when moving photos to a PC — and it has a straightforward fix.
Here are four methods, from fastest to most permanent:
Method 1: Convert to JPG Online (No Installation Required)
The fastest solution if you need to view or use the photo once:
- Go to HEICtoJPG.com
- Upload your HEIC file
- Download the converted JPG
The JPG opens in any Windows app — Photos, Paint, Photoshop, Word, anywhere. Takes about 10 seconds per file. No account, no software installation.
- Best for: One-off conversions when you just need to open or share a specific photo.
- Not ideal for: Opening dozens of HEIC files regularly — convert-one-at-a-time gets tedious at scale.
Method 2: Install the HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store (Free)
This is the recommended permanent fix. Microsoft offers a free codec that adds HEIC support to Windows without changing any other software.
- Open the Microsoft Store (search for it in the Start menu)
- Search for "HEIF Image Extensions"
- Click Get to install (it's free)
- Once installed, restart Windows Photos or any app you're using
After installation, HEIC files open directly in Windows Photos, Paint, File Explorer's preview pane, and most other Windows apps. You don't have to do anything special — HEIC files just work like JPEG files.
Note: There's also a paid "HEVC Video Extensions" codec in the Store ($0.99) for video. You don't need that for photos — the free HEIF Image Extensions handles still images.
- Best for: Anyone who regularly receives or transfers iPhone photos and wants them to open automatically going forward.
Method 3: Use iCloud for Windows (If You Use iCloud)
If you sync your iPhone photos to iCloud, the iCloud for Windows app offers a built-in solution: it automatically downloads your photos as JPEG and MP4 instead of HEIC and MOV.
- Download iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store or Apple's website
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Go to iCloud Settings → Photos
- Look for the option to download photos as JPEG — the exact wording varies by version
Once set up, photos that sync from iCloud to your PC arrive as JPEG files automatically.
- Best for: iPhone users already using iCloud for photo backup.
- Not for: Photos transferred via USB or AirDrop — those still arrive as HEIC.
Method 4: Change Your iPhone to Shoot in JPEG
If you frequently transfer photos to Windows and find the conversion step frustrating, you can set your iPhone to save photos as JPEG instead of HEIC:
- On your iPhone, open Settings
- Tap Camera
- Tap Formats
- Select Most Compatible
New photos will save as JPEG going forward. Existing HEIC photos in your library stay as HEIC.
Tradeoff: JPEG files are roughly twice the size of equivalent HEIC files. Most people who use both iPhone and Windows find it easier to install the free codec (Method 2) and keep shooting in HEIC.
Why Windows Can't Open HEIC Files By Default
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) uses HEVC/H.265 compression. Microsoft chose to make HEVC support a separate paid codec rather than bundling it into Windows, partly because of licensing costs. The free HEIF Image Extensions codec Microsoft offers separately handles the still image side without requiring the paid HEVC video codec.
What About Older Windows Versions?
Windows 11: HEIF Image Extensions available from Microsoft Store — install it and HEIC files open natively.
Windows 10 (version 1809 and later): Same solution — HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store works fine.
Windows 10 (older versions) and Windows 7/8: The Microsoft Store codec may not be available. Options: use the browser-based converter at
HEICtoJPG.com, or install a third-party viewer like IrfanView (free) with the HEIF plugin.
Opening HEIC Files in Specific Windows Apps
Photoshop
Photoshop added native HEIC support in 2019 (version 21.1). If you're on a current version, HEIC files open directly. If you're on an older version, either update Photoshop or convert to JPG first.
Lightroom
Lightroom Classic and Lightroom (cloud-based) both support HEIC import. If your version doesn't, update via Creative Cloud.
Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint)
Office doesn't support HEIC for inserting images, even with the codec installed. Convert to JPG before inserting into Word, PowerPoint, or Excel documents.
Paint
After installing the HEIF Image Extensions codec, Paint can open and edit HEIC files. You can also use "Save As" in Paint to export as PNG or JPEG.
Quick Summary
| Method |
Setup Time |
Best For |
Cost |
| Convert online at HEICtoJPG.com |
0 minutes |
One-off files |
Free |
| HEIF Image Extensions (Microsoft Store) |
2 minutes |
Permanent fix, all apps |
Free |
| iCloud for Windows |
10 minutes |
iCloud users |
Free |
| Switch iPhone to JPEG |
1 minute |
Avoiding future HEIC |
Free* |
*Uses more iPhone storage than HEIC.