HAYAH

HAYAH / Guides / HEIC Converter

Guide · HEIC Converter

How to open HEIC files on Windows 11

HEIC is the photo format iPhones and many Android phones use by default. Windows does not always open it. Here are three ways to view your photos.

Updated 17 October 2026

File Explorer showing HEIC photos with a Convert to JPG entry in the right-click menu

Why a HEIC file will not open

HEIC (also called HEIF) stores photos in less space than JPG. Windows needs add-on software to read it, so you may see a blank icon in File Explorer or a message asking you to install something. Your photos are fine. Windows just needs a way to decode them.

Option 1: install Microsoft's extensions

  1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions. Install it.
  2. If your photos still do not open, also install HEVC Video Extensions. Many iPhone photos use HEVC compression. Depending on your PC, this extension may already be installed, may be free from your PC maker, or may be a small paid download.
  3. Double-click a HEIC photo. It should open in the Photos app. Paint can open it too.

Option 2: change the format on your iPhone

On the iPhone, go to Settings, Camera, Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPG. This does not change photos you have already taken. When you copy photos to a PC, Settings, Photos, Transfer to Mac or PC, Automatic converts them to a compatible format where needed.

Option 3: use HEIC Converter

HEIC Converter is a free Windows app from HAYAH that opens HEIC, HEIF and HIF photos without extra codec downloads.

  1. Install HEIC Converter from the Microsoft Store using the button below.
  2. Double-click a HEIC photo, or drag it onto the app window.
  3. The photo opens, with its date taken, camera and location details. There is no limit on viewing.
  4. Need a copy that opens anywhere? Convert it to JPG or PNG. See the guide Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows.

It handles HDR photos from recent iPhones without green or washed-out colors. For Live Photos it shows the still image. Your originals are never changed, and photos are processed on your PC and never uploaded.

Viewing is free. Converting is free for up to 5 photos per batch. Pro is optional: a one-time $9.99 Lifetime Unlock or a $2.99 7-Day Pass, with no subscription.

Questions

Why does Windows say it needs an extension for HEIC?
Windows does not include a decoder for every HEIC photo. Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions, and for many iPhone photos the HEVC Video Extensions, add that support.
Is HEIC Converter free?
Yes. It is free to download. Viewing HEIC photos has no limit, and you can convert up to 5 photos per batch for free. Pro is optional.
What happens to a Live Photo?
The still image opens. The paired video is ignored.
Does opening a photo change it?
No. HEIC Converter never changes your originals.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Photos are processed on your PC and never uploaded.

More guides

Prices are in US dollars and may vary by market. The Microsoft Store shows the price for your country before you buy. Microsoft, Windows, Excel and Microsoft Store are trademarks of Microsoft; HAYAH is not affiliated with Microsoft or Apple.