How to Open HEIC Files in Windows 11
- 6 steps
- Needs administrator rights
HEIC files are Apple’s photo format. iPhones and iPads use it because it saves space while keeping picture quality high. When you copy these photos to a Windows 11 PC, they often won’t open, or they show up as blank thumbnails.
The fix is usually a free codec. Install the HEIF Image Extensions app from the Microsoft Store and the standard Microsoft Photos app can read these files. This guide covers that method and a second one that uses a third-party viewer. Neither method needs a restart, and both work the same on Windows 11 Home and Pro.
Install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. After installation, HEIC files will open automatically in the Photos app. Alternatively, use a third-party viewer by selecting “Open with” and choosing your preferred app.
Using the Microsoft Photos App
You can open HEIC files in Windows 11 with the built-in Photos app once you add a codec from the Microsoft Store. A codec is a small add-on that teaches Windows how to read a file format. It is quick to install, and you don’t have to buy a separate photo program.
Some PCs already have the HEIF extension, often because the manufacturer installed it. If your photos open in Photos right away, you can stop here. If they don’t, the steps below show what to expect and what to click.
- Open the folder that holds your HEIC photos in File Explorer . Press the Win plus E if you need to launch File Explorer first. You should see the files listed with the .heic extension, and the thumbnails may be blank.
- Right-click your HEIC image. A context menu should appear.
- Select Open with and then click Photos. If you don’t see Open with, click Show more options at the bottom of the menu, or press Shift+F10 to bring up the full classic menu. Photos should launch and try to display the image.
If Windows is missing the codec, Photos will show a message stating: “The HEVC Extension is needed to display this file.” Click the link that says “Download and install it now.” The link takes you to the right page in the Microsoft Store, so you don’t have to search for the extension yourself.
The Microsoft Store will open on the extension’s page. Click the Install button to add the extension to your computer. Note: This process may require admin privileges depending on your system settings. If Windows asks for an administrator password, enter it and continue.
Some HEVC extensions in the Store show a small price instead of Install. If you see a price, check whether the listing is the free “from Device Manufacturer” version. Otherwise, use Method 2 below, which costs nothing. You also need to be signed in to the Microsoft Store for the download to start.
When the download completes, your HEIC images will open automatically in the Photos app. If the photo still doesn’t show, close Photos completely and double-click the file again. Thumbnails in File Explorer may take a moment to appear, or may only appear after you reopen the folder.
Using a Third-Party App
You can open HEIC files in Windows 11 by installing a third-party image viewer if you would rather not use the Microsoft Store. Programs like IrfanView or ImageGlass open these Apple photos directly once you install the main application, plus a quick plugin if the viewer asks for one.
This method also suits PCs where the Store is blocked, such as work computers. Check the viewer’s download page for HEIC notes, because the plugin requirements can change between versions.
- Download and install the app from the link above. Run the installer and follow its prompts. If the viewer offers a plugin pack for extra formats, install that too. Note: This process may require admin privileges.
- Right-click your image file in File Explorer . A context menu should appear.
- Select Open with and then Choose another app. If you don’t see Open with, click Show more options first. A window listing the apps on your PC should open.
Select your new viewer from the list. If it isn’t listed, scroll down and look for a More apps option. Check the box for ‘Always use this app to open .heic files’ and then click OK. The photo should open in the new viewer, and every HEIC file you double-click after that will do the same.
To undo this later, go to Settings Apps Default apps, search for .heic, and pick a different app. You can also just uninstall the viewer.
Summary
Windows 11 doesn't open Apple HEIC files by default. You can solve this by downloading the HEVC Extension through the Microsoft Store or by installing a third-party photo viewer. Both methods allow your computer to recognize and display your mobile photos.
The Store method keeps everything inside the Photos app. The third-party method is a good fallback if the extension asks for payment or the Store isn't available. Neither one changes your original files, so your photos stay exactly as they were on your iPhone.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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