How to Open HEIC Files on Windows: 4 Reliable Options

Option 1: Use Microsoft Photos

Open the image in Microsoft Photos. Windows may offer the HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store; some files can also require an HEVC video extension because HEIF is the container and HEVC commonly compresses the image. Microsoft HEIF Image Extensions (opens in a new tab)

After installing an extension, close and reopen Photos. Use trusted sources for codecs instead of generic codec-pack downloads.

Option 2: Transfer a compatible copy

An iPhone or iPad can automatically deliver a more compatible version during transfer. The Photos transfer setting is separate from the Camera capture setting, so a picture stored as HEIC may arrive on the computer as JPEG.

This is convenient for routine transfers, but preserve the original if capture metadata or the most efficient archive matters.

Option 3: Convert in your browser

When you cannot install a codec—or only need a file for an upload form—convert a copy to JPEG. HEICtoJPEG performs the conversion locally in the browser, so the selected photo is not sent to a conversion server.

Use original dimensions and a high JPEG quality setting first. Resize only if the destination has a clear size or dimension limit.

Option 4: Use an installed editor

• Open the HEIC in a current image editor with HEIF support.
• Confirm the orientation and colors before exporting.
• Choose JPEG and use a high quality setting for the first copy.
• Save to a new filename instead of overwriting the only original.