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Windows can store and display HEIC photos, but Photos may show the message “You need an extension to use this file.” The usual fix is to install two Microsoft Store components: HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions. Despite the name, Microsoft says Photos may require both extensions for HEIC photos.
This guide covers Windows 11 and Windows 10. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for it.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is an image file format commonly used by iPhones and other devices. It is part of the HEIF image format family and can preserve high-quality photos in less storage space than JPEG.
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HEIC and HEVC are related but not identical:
| Term | What it is | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| HEIC | An image file format | Photos |
| HEIF | The image format family behind HEIC | Photos and image sequences |
| HEVC | A video codec | Video files, often with an .mp4 or .mov container |
The distinction matters, but Microsoft’s current Photos troubleshooting instructions still tell Windows users to install both the HEIF and HEVC extensions when Photos cannot open the file.
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Open a HEIC file in Windows Photos
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Search for HEIF Image Extensions and install the Microsoft listing. Microsoft lists this extension as free. You can also open its Store page directly using product ID
9PMMSR1CGPWG: HEIF Image Extensions. - Search for HEVC Video Extensions and install it. Microsoft’s support page currently lists this extension at $0.99. Its product ID is
9NMZLZ57R3T7: HEVC Video Extensions. - Close and reopen the Photos app.
- Double-click the HEIC file again.
If you installed only the HEIF extension and Photos still displays the extension error, install the HEVC extension as well. Microsoft specifically prescribes both components, including when the files you are trying to open are photos rather than videos.
Open the file with another installed app
If you already have a compatible image viewer or editor installed, you can associate the file with that application:
- Right-click the
.heicfile. - Select Open with > Choose another app.
- Select a compatible installed application.
- If Windows does not list one, select Open with > Search the Microsoft Store, then select OK.
This menu changes the application Windows uses to open the file. It does not install support by itself unless you choose an application from the Store.
Check that the file really has a .heic extension
File Explorer can hide known file extensions, which makes it harder to identify the actual file type. To show them in Windows 11:
- Type File Explorer in the taskbar search box and open it.
- Select View > Show > File name extensions.
On some Windows 10 layouts, the equivalent path is View > Show/hide > File name extensions.
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You may then see a filename such as IMG_1234.heic. Do not “convert” it by renaming it to IMG_1234.jpg. Renaming changes only the text after the final period; it does not change the encoding, format, or contents. A renamed HEIC file is still a HEIC file and may remain unreadable in applications that do not support it.
View a HEIC file without opening it locally
If the photo is already in OneDrive, open OneDrive on the web. Microsoft says HEIF/HEVC files can be viewed on the OneDrive website in any browser.
This is useful when you need to inspect or share a file from a Windows PC without installing local codecs. It does not necessarily make the downloaded copy openable in Windows: on a PC or other non-Apple device, OneDrive may preview and store the file while the downloaded HEIC still requires an additional codec or compatible application.
OneDrive for iOS also uploads iPhone photos in their original HEIF format by default. It does not automatically upload them as JPEG, because retaining HEIF preserves the original quality and can save storage space.
Windows N: install the Media Feature Pack first
Windows 10 and Windows 11 N editions omit several media technologies. If you have an N edition, Photos or OneDrive may fail even after you install the HEIF and HEVC extensions.
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Install the Media Feature Pack as follows:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Apps and Features > Optional features.
- Select Add a feature.
- Find and install Media Feature Pack.
- Restart Windows, even if Windows does not ask you to restart.
After the restart, install HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions separately from the Microsoft Store if they are not already installed. Microsoft lists those extensions as additional components for Windows N.
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Installing the extensions lets Windows and compatible apps read the HEIC file, but codec installation is not the same as conversion. A JPEG conversion creates a new file with JPEG encoding; changing the filename extension does not.
The Microsoft support documentation for this issue does not provide a current, guaranteed Windows-wide menu path or command for converting an existing HEIC file to JPG or JPEG. It also provides no command-line syntax for HEIC-to-JPEG conversion. Therefore, avoid generic command examples unless they identify the particular third-party converter and version that supplies the command.
For a reliable conversion workflow, use one of these approaches:
- Use a compatible image editor or converter. Install a reputable application that explicitly supports HEIC input and JPEG output. Open the HEIC file, choose its export or save-as function, select JPEG or JPG, and save a separate copy.
- Use a trusted web converter. Upload only images that are appropriate for a third-party service. Avoid this option for confidential documents, private family photos, identification images, or work material unless the service’s privacy and retention terms are acceptable.
- Change the iPhone setting for future photos. On supported iOS devices, open Settings > Camera > Format > Most Compatible. New captures will use a more broadly compatible format. Microsoft notes that some iOS devices no longer provide the Most Compatible option.
Changing the iPhone setting affects future captures; it does not convert HEIC files already stored on the phone or PC.
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Why a phone may sometimes send a JPEG automatically
Some phones automatically convert HEIC photos or HEVC videos to more common formats when transferring or emailing them. The behavior depends on the device, the transfer method, and the camera or photo settings, so it is not guaranteed.
If a transfer produces a HEIC file anyway, use the Windows extension method above, view the original through OneDrive’s website, or use a converter that explicitly supports HEIC.
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| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Photos says you need an extension | Install both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions, then restart Photos. |
| Only HEIF Image Extensions were installed | Install HEVC Video Extensions too; Microsoft’s Photos fix requires both. |
| The file opens in OneDrive but not after download | Install the Windows extensions or use a compatible local application. |
| You have Windows N | Install Media Feature Pack, restart Windows, then install the Store extensions. |
| Renaming to .jpg did not help | Rename it back and perform a real export or conversion. |
| The file is private | Prefer local software over an online converter. |
FAQ
Do I need both HEIF and HEVC extensions to open HEIC photos?
Microsoft’s Photos support instructions say to install both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions, even when the files are photos only. Restart Photos after installing them.
Is HEIC the same as HEVC?
No. HEIC is an image file format, while HEVC is a video codec. Microsoft nevertheless instructs Photos users to install both extensions for this file-opening problem.
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No. Renaming changes only the filename extension. It does not change the file’s encoding or contents, so the result is still a HEIC file.
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Can OneDrive open HEIC files?
HEIF/HEVC files can be viewed on the OneDrive website in any browser. However, a downloaded copy may still fail to open locally on Windows without a codec or compatible application.
Why will HEIC files not open on Windows N?
Windows N editions omit media technologies used by apps such as Photos and OneDrive. Install the Media Feature Pack from Settings, restart Windows, and then install the HEIF and HEVC Store extensions if necessary.
Does changing iPhone settings convert old HEIC photos?
No. Settings > Camera > Format > Most Compatible affects future captures or transfers. It does not convert HEIC files that already exist.
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For the standard Windows fix, install HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, then restart Photos. Windows N users must install and restart with the Media Feature Pack first. If you need a JPEG, use a real export or conversion tool—never rely on changing .heic to .jpg in the filename.
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