How to Open HEIC Files on Windows
The fastest fix needs no install: convert the file to JPG in your browser and open it normally.
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Why Windows can’t open HEIC out of the box
Windows Photos and File Explorer’s thumbnail preview rely on codec packs that are not installed by default, because the HEVC video codec HEIC depends on carries a licensing fee. That is why double-clicking a .heic file on a fresh Windows install shows a generic icon and an error instead of a preview.
Option 1: Convert to JPG (no install, works immediately)
If you just need to view, print, share, or upload the photo, converting it once is faster and more reliable than installing a codec, and it fixes compatibility everywhere, not just on this one PC. Drop your .heic files into the converter below and download JPGs in seconds — no software, no restart required.
Option 2: Install the HEIF/HEVC extensions from Microsoft
If you want Windows to natively preview and open HEIC files going forward, install both the "HEIF Image Extensions" and "HEVC Video Extensions" from the Microsoft Store. Search the Store for each by name, click Get/Install, and restart File Explorer (or sign out and back in).
- HEIF Image Extensions — free, required for thumbnails and Photos app previews
- HEVC Video Extensions — sometimes a small fee, required alongside HEIF Image Extensions
- After installing both, .heic files should show thumbnails and open in the Photos app
Option 3: Change your iPhone’s camera format going forward
To avoid the issue for future photos, you can set your iPhone to capture JPG instead of HEIC. This does not fix files you already have — you will still need to convert those.
Ready to convert?
Use our free HEIC to JPG converter — no upload, no signup, no daily limit.
Open HEIC to JPG converterFrequently asked questions
Why does my HEIC file show a blank or broken thumbnail in Windows?
Windows does not include the HEIF/HEVC codec by default. Either install the Microsoft Store extensions or convert the file to JPG, which every version of Windows can display natively.
Is installing the Microsoft codec pack free?
The HEIF Image Extensions are free. The HEVC Video Extensions have sometimes carried a small fee depending on region and Windows version — converting to JPG avoids that entirely.
Will converting to JPG work if I do not want to install anything?
Yes — that is exactly what this converter is for. It runs in your browser, so there is nothing to install and it works on any Windows PC.
Can I convert many HEIC files from my Windows PC at once?
Yes. Drop a selection of photos or a whole folder into the converter and download everything as one ZIP. How large a batch can run depends on your PC’s memory.