Windows can't open HEIC photos until it has the HEIF and HEVC codecs, which are installed separately from the Microsoft Store. The alternatives are to make your iPhone send JPG files instead, or to convert the HEIC photos with a browser tool such as HEIC to PNG or HEIC to JPG.
Here are the three fixes and when each makes sense.
On this page
Key takeaways
- Windows Photos needs the HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions.
- The iPhone can convert photos to JPG automatically when you transfer them.
- Converting in a browser works without installing anything.
- Upload forms often reject HEIC even when Windows can open it.
Fix 1: Install the HEIF and HEVC extensions
In the Microsoft Store, install HEIF Image Extensions. HEIC photos also need HEVC Video Extensions, which some PCs include and others offer as a paid download. After installing, Photos opens HEIC files and File Explorer shows thumbnails.
Fix 2: Change the iPhone transfer setting
On the iPhone, open Settings, Photos and set Transfer to Mac or PC to Automatic. Photos copied over USB then arrive as JPG. To stop shooting HEIC entirely, choose Settings, Camera, Formats, Most Compatible.
Fix 3: Convert the photos
If you cannot install apps on the PC, or you already have a folder of HEIC files, convert them in the browser. HEIC to PNG gives lossless copies for editing; HEIC to JPG gives smaller files for sharing. The trade-off is explained in HEIC to PNG or JPG.
Thumbnails in File Explorer
Without the extensions, File Explorer shows a generic icon instead of a preview for HEIC files. Installing the HEIF and HEVC extensions also brings thumbnails back. If you converted the photos instead, the PNG or JPG copies show thumbnails straight away.
Which fix should you choose?
| Situation | Best fix |
|---|---|
| You view iPhone photos on this PC often | Install the extensions |
| You copy photos from your own iPhone | Change the transfer setting |
| Someone sent you a few HEIC files | Convert them in the browser |
| You need to upload the photos to a website | Convert to JPG or PDF |
HEIC photos in Office and other apps
Even with the extensions installed, some programs, such as older versions of Word, PowerPoint or photo editors, may still refuse HEIC files. In that case converting is the most reliable option: insert PNG or JPG copies instead. HEIC to PNG gives lossless copies for documents and editing, while JPG keeps file sizes small for presentations that will be emailed.
If you regularly receive iPhone photos from colleagues, ask them to share as JPG using the Most Compatible camera setting, which avoids the problem altogether.
HEIC on Windows: FAQ
Why can't Windows open my iPhone photos?
They are HEIC files, which need the HEIF and HEVC extensions on Windows.
Is the HEVC extension free?
It depends on the PC. Some include it; otherwise the Microsoft Store offers it, sometimes for a small fee.
How do I get JPGs from my iPhone instead?
Set Settings, Photos, Transfer to Mac or PC to Automatic, or set the camera format to Most Compatible.
Can I convert HEIC without installing anything?
Yes. Use a browser-based HEIC converter.
Will converting lose quality?
PNG is lossless. JPG at high quality looks practically identical.
Why don't HEIC files show thumbnails on Windows?
Windows needs the HEIF and HEVC extensions to read them.
Can old Windows versions open HEIC?
Support depends on the extensions; converting the files works on any version.
Is HEIC to PNG free?
Yes, with no sign-up.
Codecs, settings or conversion
Install the extensions if you view HEIC photos often, change the iPhone setting to avoid them, or convert existing files in your browser.
