Trying to open iPhone photos on Windows and getting an error? You're not alone. Windows doesn't support HEIC files by default, but there are easy fixes.
Don't want to install anything? Convert your HEIC file to PNG online - it's instant and free.
Convert HEIC to PNG NowHEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. It creates files that are 50% smaller than JPEG with the same quality.
The problem? Windows doesn't include HEIC support out of the box because:
Let's fix this. Here are your options, from fastest to most permanent:
The fastest solution - no software to install, works immediately.
Go to HoneyConvert.com
Drag and drop your HEIC file (or click to browse)
Click "Convert to PNG" and download your file
Best for: Quick one-time conversions, shared computers, when you can't install software
Microsoft's official free extension adds HEIC support to Windows.
Open the Microsoft Store app
Search for "HEIF Image Extensions"
Click Get or Install (it's free)
Restart Windows (sometimes required)
Double-click your HEIC file - it should open in Photos
Still not working? Some HEIC files need the HEVC codec too. See Fix #3 below.
If HEIF extensions alone don't work, you need the HEVC codec.
Open the Microsoft Store
Search for "HEVC Video Extensions"
Purchase and install ($0.99)
Restart Windows and try opening your HEIC file again
Free alternative: Search for "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" - this is a free version, but only works on some PCs.
Free image viewers that support HEIC out of the box:
Prevent this problem in the future by making your iPhone capture in JPEG:
Open Settings on your iPhone
Tap Camera
Tap Formats
Select Most Compatible (instead of High Efficiency)
Trade-off: JPEG files are about 2x larger than HEIC, so you'll use more storage on your iPhone.
| Fix | Cost | Time | Permanent | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online converter | Free | 5 sec | No | Quick fix, any PC |
| HEIF Extensions | Free | 2 min | Yes | Most users |
| HEVC Codec | $0.99 | 2 min | Yes | If #2 fails |
| Third-party viewer | Free | 5 min | Yes | Power users |
| iPhone settings | Free | 1 min | Yes | Prevent future issues |
Our recommendation: Try the online converter first for a quick fix. If you regularly receive HEIC files, install the HEIF Image Extensions for a permanent solution.
Convert it to PNG in 5 seconds. No software needed.
Convert HEIC FreeWindows doesn't include HEIC support by default because it requires the HEVC codec, which has licensing costs. You need to either install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or convert your HEIC files to PNG/JPEG.
Two options: 1) Install "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store (free), then open HEIC files normally. 2) Convert HEIC to PNG using HoneyConvert.com - works instantly without installing anything.
Yes, the HEIF Image Extensions is free. However, some HEIC files also require the HEVC Video Extensions codec, which costs $0.99 in the Microsoft Store. For a completely free solution, use an online converter.
HEIC files use HEVC (H.265) compression for the image data. While the HEIF container format is free, the HEVC codec is patented and requires licensing. Microsoft charges $0.99 for this codec, though some PC manufacturers pre-install it for free.
Windows 11 can open HEIC files, but only after installing the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some Windows 11 PCs from major manufacturers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) come with this pre-installed.
The fastest way is to convert HEIC to PNG online at HoneyConvert.com. It takes about 5 seconds, doesn't require installing any software, and works on any PC.