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To open HEIC files locally in Photos on Windows 10 or 11, install both Microsoft Store packages: HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions, then restart Photos. Microsoft lists HEIF as free and HEVC at $0.99, so the complete official local method is not entirely free; for a free preview, use OneDrive in a browser.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is an image file format commonly used by iPhones and other devices that support the HEIF standard. It can preserve high-quality photos in less storage space than some older formats, such as JPEG.
The file may use a .heic extension, while related HEIF images can use .heif. Windows may recognize the file but still lack the components needed to decode it in Photos.
Method 1: Install Microsoft’s official extensions
Microsoft’s documented fix for opening HEIC and HEIF files locally in Photos requires both Store packages, even when you only want to open photos:
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- HEIF Image Extensions — listed as free.
- HEVC Video Extensions — listed by Microsoft at $0.99.
Install the extensions through Microsoft Store
- Select Start, type Microsoft Store, and press Enter.
- Search for HEIF Image Extensions, open the Microsoft Store listing, and select Get or the install button. The product ID is 9PMMSR1CGPWG.
- Search for HEVC Video Extensions, open the Microsoft listing, and purchase or install it if prompted. The product ID is 9NMZLZ57R3T7.
- Close Photos completely and open it again.
Microsoft says to restart Photos after installing the extensions; a full Windows restart is not normally required for this fix.
Use Microsoft’s direct Store pages:
Open the HEIC file after installation
- Open File Explorer with Win + E.
- Browse to the folder containing the image.
- Double-click the .heic file.
- If Windows asks which app to use, select Photos.
You can also right-click the file, choose Open with, and select Photos.
Is the official method really free?
Not completely, according to Microsoft’s current documentation. HEIF Image Extensions is free, while HEVC Video Extensions is listed at $0.99. Store prices and availability can vary by region, so check the price shown before confirming a purchase. Avoid downloading codec installers from random websites when the Microsoft Store listing is available.
Method 2: View the file for free in OneDrive
Microsoft says HEIF and HEVC files can be viewed on the OneDrive website in any browser without installing a Windows codec. This is a preview option, not a conversion.
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- Upload the HEIC file to OneDrive.
- Open OneDrive on the web in a browser.
- Sign in and select the uploaded image.
OneDrive may store and preview the original HEIC file, while a downloaded copy may still require Windows extensions to open locally. Microsoft warns that files downloaded to a Windows PC may not open without additional apps or codecs.
Method 3: Have your phone transfer a compatible copy
Many phones can automatically convert photos to a more common format when transferring them to a PC or sending them by email. The behavior depends on the phone, connection method, and camera settings.
On supported iPhones, Microsoft documents this capture setting: Settings > Camera > Format > Most Compatible. This option makes new photos use a more compatible format, such as JPEG, instead of HEIF. Microsoft notes that some iOS devices no longer offer the Most Compatible option.
Changing this setting normally affects future photos, not HEIC files already on the phone. For existing images, use the phone’s sharing or transfer options and look for a setting such as automatic conversion, compatibility, or most compatible. The wording varies by device.
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Do not rename .heic to .jpg
Renaming a file does not convert it. Changing IMG_1234.heic to IMG_1234.jpg changes only the filename extension; the contents are still HEIC data. Windows or another app may refuse to open it.
How to confirm the file extension in Windows
Windows can hide known file extensions, which makes it easy to misidentify a file. To show them:
- Open File Explorer.
- Select View.
- Select Show/hide.
- Enable the File name extensions check box.
You can then see whether the file ends in .heic, .heif, .jpg, or another extension.
What to do if Photos still cannot open HEIC files
Check that both extensions are installed
Installing only HEIF Image Extensions may not resolve the Photos error. Microsoft’s current troubleshooting instructions require both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions.
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To check installed components, Microsoft documents Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then searching for video extension. On some Windows 11 builds, the equivalent page is called Installed apps.
Restart Photos
Close every Photos window, then launch Photos again. If the extensions were installed while Photos was open, the app may not detect them until it restarts.
Check whether you use Windows N
Windows 10 and 11 N editions omit certain media technologies. Microsoft says N-edition users must install the Media Feature Pack through Windows Settings before media-dependent features work correctly. Without it, features including Photos, OneDrive video playback, Video Editor, camera functions, and media synchronization can fail.
After installing the Media Feature Pack, Microsoft lists HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions as additional Store components that may be needed. Check your edition under Settings > System > About. If it includes an N, install the Media Feature Pack through Windows Settings, restart as requested, and then install the two Store extensions.
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Check the file itself
Try opening another HEIC image. If one file works and another does not, the problem may be a damaged or incomplete file. Copy the image again from the phone or cloud storage and test the new copy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support note
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. The Store-based HEIC instructions may still apply, but users should consider moving to Windows 11 or another supported operating system.
Which option should you use?
| Need | Best option | Cost or limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Open HEIC files locally in Photos | Install HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions | HEIF is listed as free; HEVC is listed at $0.99 |
| Preview an image without installing codecs | Use OneDrive in a web browser | Requires uploading the file; downloaded copies may still not open locally |
| Receive future photos in a common format | Enable a compatible-format or automatic-conversion setting on the phone | Settings vary; existing HEIC files are not necessarily converted |
| Use Photos on Windows N | Install Media Feature Pack, then the two Store extensions | N editions omit media technologies |
FAQ
Can I open HEIC files in Windows 11 for free?
You can preview HEIC files for free on the OneDrive website in a browser. For local opening in Photos, Microsoft’s documented fix requires HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions; Microsoft lists HEVC at $0.99.
Why do I need HEVC Video Extensions for a HEIC photo?
Microsoft’s current Photos troubleshooting article says both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions are required for its documented fix, even when you intend to open photos only.
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No. OneDrive can preview HEIF and HEVC files in a browser, but downloaded files may remain in their original format and still require a codec for local opening.
Will renaming a HEIC file to JPG make it work?
No. Renaming changes only the filename extension; it does not convert the file format or contents.
What should Windows N users install?
Install the Media Feature Pack through Windows Settings first. Microsoft also lists HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions as additional Store components that may be needed afterward.
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