HEIC Not Opening on Windows? 5 Quick Fixes (2026)

Quick Answer

Windows can't open HEIC files because it doesn't have the built-in codec. The fastest fix: install the free HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store (takes 30 seconds). Alternative: use our free converter to change HEIC to PNG or JPG.

How to fix HEIC not opening on Windows (30 seconds):

Fastest fix: Convert HEIC to PNG online at HoneyConvert.com (free, instant)
Permanent fix: Install "HEIF Image Extensions" from Microsoft Store (free)
If still not working: Install "HEVC Video Extensions" ($0.99)
Alternative: Use IrfanView, XnView, or another free HEIC viewer

Last updated: January 2026 | Reading time: 4 minutes | Works for Windows 10, 11 & 11 24H2

Trying to open iPhone photos on Windows and getting an error? You're not alone. Windows doesn't support HEIC files by default, but there are easy fixes.

Quickest Fix (5 seconds)

Don't want to install anything? Convert your HEIC file to PNG online - it's instant and free.

Convert HEIC to PNG Now

5 Ways to Fix HEIC Not Opening

Convert online (fastest, no install)
Install HEIF Image Extensions (free)
Install HEVC codec (if #2 doesn't work)
Use a third-party viewer
Change iPhone settings (prevent future issues)

Why Can't Windows Open HEIC Files?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. It creates files that are 50% smaller than JPEG with the same quality. Learn more about why iPhone uses HEIC.

The problem? Windows doesn't include HEIC support out of the box because:

HEIC uses the HEVC codec, which requires licensing fees
Microsoft doesn't pre-install it to avoid these costs
Some PC manufacturers include it, others don't

Let's fix this. Here are your options, from fastest to most permanent:

1 Convert HEIC Online Recommended

The fastest solution - no software to install, works immediately.

Go to HoneyConvert.com

Drag and drop your HEIC file (or click to browse)

Click "Convert to PNG" and download your file

Pros: Instant, free, no install, works on any PC

Cons: Need to convert each time

Best for: Quick one-time conversions, shared computers, when you can't install software

2 Install HEIF Image Extensions (Free)

Microsoft's official free extension adds HEIC support to Windows.

Open the Microsoft Store app

Search for "HEIF Image Extensions"

Click Get or Install (it's free)

Restart Windows (sometimes required)

Double-click your HEIC file - it should open in Photos

Pros: Free, official Microsoft solution, permanent fix

Cons: May need HEVC codec too ($0.99)

Still not working? Some HEIC files need the HEVC codec too. See Fix #3 below.

3 Install HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99)

If HEIF extensions alone don't work, you need the HEVC codec.

Open the Microsoft Store

Search for "HEVC Video Extensions"

Purchase and install ($0.99)

Restart Windows and try opening your HEIC file again

Free alternative: Search for "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" - this is a free version, but only works on some PCs.

Pros: Permanent fix, opens all HEIC files

Cons: Costs $0.99

4 Use a Third-Party Viewer

Free image viewers that support HEIC out of the box:

IrfanView (with plugins) - lightweight, fast
XnView - feature-rich, free for personal use
FastStone Image Viewer - popular, free
GIMP - full editor, open source

Pros: Free, often more features than Windows Photos

Cons: Need to install software

5 Change iPhone Camera Settings

Prevent this problem in the future by making your iPhone capture in JPEG:

Open Settings on your iPhone

Tap Camera

Tap Formats

Select Most Compatible (instead of High Efficiency)

Trade-off: JPEG files are about 2x larger than HEIC, so you'll use more storage on your iPhone.

Pros: No future compatibility issues

Cons: Larger files, uses more iPhone storage

Quick Comparison: Which Fix Should You Use?

Fix	Cost	Time	Permanent	Best For
Online converter	Free	5 sec	No	Quick fix, any PC
HEIF Extensions	Free	2 min	Yes	Most users
HEVC Codec	$0.99	2 min	Yes	If #2 fails
Third-party viewer	Free	5 min	Yes	Power users
iPhone settings	Free	1 min	Yes	Prevent future issues

Our recommendation: Try the online converter first for a quick fix. If you regularly receive HEIC files, install the HEIF Image Extensions for a permanent solution.

Need to Open a HEIC File Right Now?

Convert it to PNG in 5 seconds. No software needed.

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Need to Convert HEIC Files?

Use our free online converter - no software needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my HEIC files open on Windows?

Windows doesn't include HEIC support by default because it requires the HEVC codec, which has licensing costs. You need to either install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or convert your HEIC files to PNG/JPEG.

How do I open HEIC files on Windows 10?

Two options: 1) Install "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store (free), then open HEIC files normally. 2) Convert HEIC to PNG using HoneyConvert.com - works instantly without installing anything.

Is HEIF Image Extensions free?

Yes, the HEIF Image Extensions is free. However, some HEIC files also require the HEVC Video Extensions codec, which costs $0.99 in the Microsoft Store. For a completely free solution, use an online converter.

Why do I need HEVC codec for HEIC images?

HEIC files use HEVC (H.265) compression for the image data. While the HEIF container format is free, the HEVC codec is patented and requires licensing. Microsoft charges $0.99 for this codec, though some PC manufacturers pre-install it for free.

Can Windows 11 open HEIC files?

Windows 11 can open HEIC files, but only after installing the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some Windows 11 PCs from major manufacturers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) come with this pre-installed.

What's the fastest way to view HEIC on Windows?

The fastest way is to convert HEIC to PNG online at HoneyConvert.com. It takes about 5 seconds, doesn't require installing any software, and works on any PC.

Why does my HEIC file won't open even after installing HEIF extensions?

Some HEIC files require both the HEIF Image Extensions (free) AND the HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99). This is because HEIC uses HEVC compression for the actual image data. Try installing both extensions, then restart Windows.

How do I open HEIC files from my iPhone on Windows PC?

Two options: 1) Convert them online instantly to PNG/JPEG format. 2) Install the free HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store. After installing, HEIC files will open in the Windows Photos app like any other image.

Does Windows 11 24H2 support HEIC natively?

Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) still requires the HEIF Image Extensions to open HEIC files. Microsoft doesn't include HEIC support by default due to HEVC licensing costs. The extension is free from the Microsoft Store.

Can I batch convert multiple HEIC files on Windows?

Yes! Use our batch HEIC converter to convert multiple files at once. Just drag and drop all your files, select the output format, and download a ZIP with all converted images.

Is there a free HEIC codec for Windows?

Yes, the HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store is completely free. However, full HEIC support may also require the HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99). For a 100% free solution, use HoneyConvert.com to convert HEIC to PNG or JPEG online.

How do I permanently fix HEIC not opening?

To permanently fix HEIC not opening on Windows: 1) Install HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store, 2) Install HEVC Video Extensions if needed ($0.99), 3) Restart your PC. After this, all HEIC files will open automatically in the Windows Photos app.

Why can't Windows open HEIC files by default?

Windows can't open HEIC files by default because HEIC uses HEVC compression, which requires licensing fees that Microsoft doesn't want to pay by default. You can easily add support by installing the free HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store.