How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 11 (3 Easy Methods)
Why Can't Windows Open HEIC Files?
If you've ever transferred photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC, there's a good chance you've been greeted by an error message telling you Windows can't open your .heic files. This is one of the most common frustrations for anyone who uses both Apple and Microsoft products, and it affects millions of users every day.
The reason is straightforward: HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a file format that Apple adopted as the default photo format for iPhones starting with iOS 11 in 2017. HEIC uses the HEVC (H.265) compression standard, which is a modern, highly efficient codec that produces images roughly 50% smaller than traditional JPEG files while maintaining the same visual quality.
The problem is that Microsoft Windows does not include native support for HEIC or HEVC out of the box. While macOS, iOS, and iPadOS all handle HEIC seamlessly, Windows 10 and Windows 11 require additional software or codecs to open these files. This creates an annoying compatibility gap for the hundreds of millions of people who use iPhones alongside Windows computers.
The good news is that there are several easy solutions. Whether you want to install a codec to view HEIC natively, convert your files to a more universal format, or prevent your iPhone from taking HEIC photos altogether, we've got you covered.
Method 1: Install the HEIC Image Extension
The most direct way to add HEIC support to Windows is by installing a free extension from the Microsoft Store. Here's how to do it step by step:
After installation, Windows Photos, Paint, and most other Windows apps should be able to open and display HEIC files. You can also see HEIC image thumbnails in File Explorer, which makes browsing your photos much easier.
Important note: In some cases, Windows may also prompt you to install the HEVC Video Extensions, which costs a small fee (usually around $0.99). This is the underlying video codec that HEIC depends on. If you see an error after installing the HEIF extensions, you may need to purchase the HEVC codec as well. Alternatively, search for "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" in the Microsoft Store, which is sometimes available for free.
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Method 2: Convert HEIC to JPG Online
If you'd rather not install additional software on your PC, or if you need to share your photos with others in a universally compatible format, converting HEIC to JPG is an excellent option. The easiest way to do this is with a browser-based converter like PhotoFormatLab.
Here's how to convert your HEIC files in seconds:
Why browser-based conversion is the best approach for privacy: Unlike cloud-based converters that upload your photos to remote servers, PhotoFormatLab processes everything directly in your browser using client-side technology. Your photos never leave your computer. This means:
This makes browser-based conversion especially ideal for sensitive photos, personal documents, or any situation where you don't want your images stored on someone else's server.
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Method 3: Change iPhone Settings to Save as JPEG
If you want to prevent the HEIC problem entirely, you can change your iPhone's camera settings to save photos as JPEG instead of HEIC. This means every photo you take going forward will be in a format that Windows can open without any extra steps.
Here's how to make the switch:
That's it. Your iPhone will now save all new photos as JPEG files instead of HEIC. These photos will open seamlessly on Windows, Android, and virtually every other platform without any conversion needed.
What about existing HEIC photos? Changing this setting only affects new photos going forward. Your existing HEIC photos will remain in HEIC format. To handle those, use Method 1 or Method 2 above.
The trade-off: JPEG files are larger than HEIC files — roughly 1.5 to 2 times larger for the same photo. If you take a lot of photos, this can add up quickly. For example, if you take 1,000 photos per month and each HEIC photo is 2 MB, the same photos in JPEG would be roughly 3.5 to 4 MB each, using an extra 1.5 to 2 GB of storage per month.
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Which Method Should You Choose?
Each method has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific situation:
Choose Method 1 (Install the Extension) if:
Choose Method 2 (Convert Online with PhotoFormatLab) if:
Choose Method 3 (Change iPhone Settings) if:
Our recommendation: For most users, Method 2 offers the best balance of convenience, privacy, and flexibility. It works instantly, requires no installation, keeps your files private, and handles batch conversion effortlessly. You can always switch to Method 1 or 3 later if your needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I batch convert hundreds of HEIC files at once?
Yes. PhotoFormatLab supports batch conversion — just drag and drop all your files at once, convert them, and download the results as a ZIP archive. There's no limit to how many files you can convert in one session.
Does converting HEIC to JPG cause quality loss?
There is a tiny amount of quality loss when converting from HEIC to JPG because both formats use lossy compression. However, at a quality setting of 90% or above, the difference is virtually imperceptible to the human eye. For most purposes, the converted JPG will look identical to the original HEIC.
Can I convert HEIC to PNG instead of JPG?
Absolutely. If you want lossless quality or need transparency support, PNG is an excellent choice. PhotoFormatLab supports conversion from HEIC to PNG, WebP, and several other formats.
Will converting HEIC to JPG remove my photo metadata?
By default, basic metadata such as the date taken and camera settings is preserved during conversion. PhotoFormatLab also offers an option to preserve EXIF metadata for JPEG output if you need to retain detailed information like GPS coordinates and exposure settings.
Is it safe to use online image converters?
It depends on the converter. Many online converters upload your photos to their servers for processing, which raises privacy concerns. PhotoFormatLab is different because it processes everything locally in your browser — your photos never leave your device. This makes it the safest option for converting personal photos online.
Does Windows 11 support HEIC natively?
Windows 11 does not include built-in HEIC support out of the box. However, it makes it easier to install the required extensions from the Microsoft Store. You still need to install the HEIF Image Extensions (and possibly the HEVC Video Extensions) to open HEIC files.