How to open HEIC files on Windows
You copied photos from an iPhone and Windows shows unknown files or "this format isn't supported". Here are four ways to open them – from installing extensions to converting without installing anything.
Why Windows struggles with HEIC
HEIC photos are compressed with HEVC (H.265), a codec covered by patents. Microsoft doesn’t include a full decoder in every Windows installation, so the Photos app needs extra components. Until they’re installed, HEIC files appear as unknown files, open without a preview or show an error.
Option 1: Install Microsoft’s extensions
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions. They’re free – install them.
- Double-click a HEIC photo. If it opens in the Photos app, you’re done.
- If you still see an error, also install HEVC Video Extensions (€0.99 / $0.99). Despite the name, Windows needs it to decode HEIC photos on PCs that don’t already have an HEVC decoder.
After that, HEIC files open in Photos and show thumbnails in File Explorer.
Option 2: Convert to JPG in your browser
If you don’t want to install anything – or you’re on a work PC where you can’t – convert the photos to JPG. KeepPixels does it in your browser without uploading them: drag the HEIC files onto the box below and download the JPGs. This also helps when the photos are going to someone else, who then doesn’t need any extensions at all.
Option 3: Use a free image viewer
Several free viewers for Windows can display HEIC with the right plugin, for example IrfanView (with its official plugin pack) or XnView MP. They’re handy if you browse photo folders often, but you still have HEIC files that other programs and websites may not accept.
Option 4: Get JPGs from the iPhone in the first place
If you copy photos with a USB cable, the iPhone can convert them during the transfer. On the iPhone go to Settings › Apps › Photos (older iOS: Settings › Photos) and set Transfer to Mac or PC to Automatic. More options are in how to make your iPhone save photos as JPG.
Which option is best?
- Viewing photos now and then on your own PC: option 1.
- Sending photos to others or uploading them: option 2.
- Regular cable transfers: option 4.
Convert HEIC to JPG without installing anything
Drop your HEIC photos here
or
You can also paste an image with Ctrl+V.
Converted on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really have to pay for the HEVC Video Extensions?
Only if your PC doesn't already have them. Many laptops ship with an HEVC decoder from the manufacturer. Try the free HEIF Image Extensions first; if photos still don't open, the HEVC extension costs €0.99 or $0.99 in the Microsoft Store.
Why don't thumbnails appear in File Explorer?
Explorer uses the same extensions as the Photos app. Once both are installed, thumbnails usually appear after a restart.
Can Windows convert HEIC to JPG itself?
Yes, once the extensions are installed. Open the photo in Photos, choose "Save as" and pick JPG. That works one photo at a time; for many files a batch converter is faster.
Learn more
- What is a HEIC file?HEIC is the photo format iPhones use by default. What it is, why Apple chose it, which devices open it, and how to turn it into a JPG when you need one.
- HEIC vs JPG – which is better?HEIC saves space, JPG opens everywhere. A clear comparison of quality, file size, colour and compatibility, and when to use which.
- How to make your iPhone save photos as JPGThree ways to get JPGs from an iPhone – change the camera format, convert during transfer, or convert only the photos you share.