How to Open HEIC Files on Windows: 4 Reliable Options

Option 1: Use Microsoft Photos

On a current Windows installation, open the file in Microsoft Photos. Windows may direct you to install the HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store. Some HEIC images also require the appropriate HEVC video extension because HEIF is the container while HEVC is commonly used to compress the image data. Microsoft’s HEIF extension (opens in a new tab)

After installing the required extension, close and reopen Photos. File Explorer thumbnails may take a moment to refresh. Only install codecs from Microsoft Store or another source you already trust; generic “codec pack” downloads can include unrelated software.

Option 2: Let an Apple device export a compatible copy

Apple devices can transfer media in a more compatible format. On iPhone or iPad, the Photos transfer setting under Settings can automatically convert compatible transfers. Apple notes that choosing Keep Originals prevents this transfer-time conversion.

This is convenient for routine transfers, but keep in mind that the exported file is a derivative. Preserve the HEIC if you want the efficient original and its associated capture information.

Option 3: Convert HEIC to PNG in your browser

When you need a file that works in a presentation, design tool, upload form, or older program, create a PNG copy. HEICTOPNG performs conversion in the browser and does not upload the selected image to a conversion server. This is useful on managed PCs where you cannot install an extension.

PNG is an appropriate choice when you need lossless output or broad support. For a photo-heavy website with strict size limits, a quality-controlled JPEG or WebP export may be smaller.

Option 4: Use an installed image editor

Some current desktop editors can decode HEIC when the operating-system codecs are present. Open the original, verify its orientation and colors, then use Export or Save a Copy to create PNG. Avoid overwriting the only source file.

For large batches, test two or three representative photos before processing the full folder. Check portrait orientation, wide-color images, edits made in Photos, and any Live Photos or burst sequences separately.

If the file still will not open

• Confirm the extension is really .heic or .heif and that the file finished copying.
• Try the original on the iPhone or Mac; a zero-byte or incomplete file cannot be repaired by conversion.
• Update Windows and the Photos app, then restart the app after codec installation.
• Make a copy before troubleshooting. Renaming .heic to .jpg or .png does not convert the file.