What is a HEIC file and How to Open It on Windows

March 28, 2026 By admin No Comments 4 minutes

The HEIC file format has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason—it keeps image sizes small without losing quality. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about HEIC file converters and how to open HEIC files on Windows 10 and 11. Stick around to learn more!

What is a HEIC File?

HEIC is an image format. It is widely used on Apple devices. Basically, HEIC is a highly efficient image format and uses an image compression codec that was first developed for video. Users who receive HEIC files from Apple devices (iPhones, iPads) will face compatibility issues when trying to open them on a Windows computer. However, in this guide, you will find simple tricks to open and convert HEIC files on Windows.

What is the purpose of HEIC files?

These files are great for both personal and professional use. They offer both high-quality images with space saving benefits. HEIC files are great for photoshoots. These files enable photographers and influencers to store multiple high-resolution pictures on a single device. 

Moreover, HEIC files also allow you to capture action shots with live photos. You can also convert HEIC files into formats like GIFs, JPEG, and more.

How to Open HEIC Files on Windows

Don’t worry if you’re trying to open HEIC photos on Windows—we’ve got you covered! Although the file system doesn’t support Window, but you can open them easily with a few tricks. Here’s how to open HEIC photos on Windows:

Note: This method works only for Windows 10 and 11.

• Open File Explorer, locate the .heic file on your computer, right-click it, and select “Photos.”
• If “The HEIF Image Extension” isn’t installed, a pop-up will show up. Simply click “Download and install now,” then confirm by selecting “Yes” in the following pop-up.
•  You’ll be redirected to the Microsoft Store to download the necessary extensions.
•  Once the extensions are installed, go back to the location of your HEIC file and try opening it again. It should now open in the Photos app without any issues.

How to Convert HEIC File into JPG on Windows

Windows users can convert HEIC file to JPG with these easy methods:

• For Windows 11: Open the image in the Photos app, click the ellipsis (…) icon, and select ‘Save as.’ In the ‘Save as type’ field, choose .jpg or .jpeg, then click ‘Save.’
• For Windows 10 and 11: To convert multiple HEIC images at once, open the folder containing the files, hold down the Ctrl key, and right-click on one of the selected images. Then, select ‘Convert to JPEG With CopyTrans.

Key Features of HEIC Photo Format

Here are the standout features of HEIC files:

• Compact Size with High Quality
  HEIC compresses images to save space without compromising quality. It’s like fitting a whole pizza into a smaller box—pretty impressive!
• Advanced Features for Modern Needs
  HEIC can store multiple images in a single file, making it perfect for Live Photos. Additionally, its 16-bit color depth provides richer, more vibrant visuals compared to JPEG’s 8-bit.
• Smart Editing Capabilities
  HEIC files save edits like cropping and filters directly in the file, so you can easily undo changes whenever you need to.
• Transparency Support
  HEIC supports transparency, just like PNG, making it a flexible choice for different creative and practical uses.

Is HEIC better than JPG?

In Short, HEIC is better than JPEG. HEIC compresses images into smaller file sizes without effecting image quality. The only downside is that these files are not compatible with many devices. Moreover, many developers are adopting the HEIC format, but still, JPEG is the most widely used format worldwide.

Conclusion

This was all about HEIC files and their properties. Hopefully, you have got all your answers. If you want to open a HEIC file on a Windows 10 PC, all you have to do is simply download the necessary extension. If you own an older Windows version, you can use a converter to convert HEIC files into your desired file format.