How to Open HEIC Files in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

HEIC is the photo format many iPhones use by default, and it doesn’t always open in Windows 11 straight away. In many cases this is because Windows needs extra support for the format before it can display or open these files properly. Once that support is in place, you can usually view HEIC photos in File Explorer and open them in apps like Photos, and convert a copy to JPG when you need a more widely accepted format.

Quick steps

1. Make sure Windows 11 is fully up to date.
2. Open the Microsoft Store app and search for an image extension designed to add HEIC/HEIF support, such as HEIF Image Extensions.
3. Install it, then try opening the HEIC file again from File Explorer.
4. If the file opens in Photos, check the app’s save or export option if you need a JPG copy instead.

Before you start

A few quick things to check before you start troubleshooting:

• Confirm Windows 11 is up to date. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
• HEIC support on Windows 11 typically depends on an optional component from the Microsoft Store rather than something built into every installation, so a new or recently reset PC may not open these files until that support is added.
• Have the HEIC file saved somewhere easy to find, such as your Pictures folder, so you can test it quickly after making any changes.
• If your HEIC photos came from OneDrive or an iPhone backup synced through OneDrive, it’s worth checking your sync settings too. Our guide on how to activate OneDrive AutoSave covers that if you’re not sure your photos are even landing on your PC correctly.

Add HEIC support from the Microsoft Store

This is the main thing to try first if HEIC files won’t open at all.

1. Click the Start button and open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Search the Store for an extension designed to add HEIF or HEIC image support, such as HEIF Image Extensions.
3. Check the listing details, including pricing and requirements, before installing, since these can vary by device.
4. Install the extension. If the Store also offers a related video extension and prompts you to install it, you can do so, though this is mainly relevant if you’re also working with HEVC video files rather than HEIC photos.
5. Once installation finishes, close the Store and try opening your HEIC file again by double-clicking it in File Explorer.

After adding this support, HEIC files should be more likely to open directly in the Photos app and show thumbnails in File Explorer. If you still have trouble, see the troubleshooting section further down this page.

View HEIC photos in File Explorer and Photos

Once the right support is in place, viewing HEIC images day to day should be straightforward.

1. Open File Explorer and browse to the folder containing your HEIC files.
2. Switch to a view that shows thumbnails, such as Large icons or Extra large icons, from the View menu.
3. You should now see a visual preview of each HEIC photo instead of a generic file icon.
4. Double-click a HEIC file to open it in the Photos app, where you can typically zoom in, rotate and move between other photos in the same folder.

Convert HEIC to JPG in Windows 11

If you need to share a photo somewhere that doesn’t accept HEIC, converting it to JPG is usually possible using apps already on your PC.

Using the Photos app

1. Double-click the HEIC file to open it in Photos.
2. Look in the app’s toolbar or menu for a save, export or “save as” style option.
3. If you’re given a choice of file type, select a JPG or JPEG option.
4. Pick a location to save the converted copy and confirm.

Other apps

Some other built-in Windows apps that support common image formats may also let you open a copy of a photo and save it under a different file type once HEIC support has been added to your PC. If you try this route, check that app’s own File menu for a save-as or export option, since exact wording and available formats can differ between apps and versions.

Whichever method you use, your original HEIC file stays untouched, so you end up with a separate JPG copy you can send or upload wherever it’s needed.

If it doesn’t work

HEIC file not opening at all

If double-clicking a HEIC file does nothing or shows an error, the first thing to check is whether an image extension for HEIC/HEIF has actually been installed and finished installing. Open the Microsoft Store, search for the extension again, and see whether it’s listed as installed. If it is, try uninstalling it, restarting your PC, and reinstalling it before testing the file again.

Photos app won’t set as the default

If a different app keeps opening instead of Photos, right-click the HEIC file, choose Open with, then Choose another app, select Photos, and tick the box to always use this app for HEIC files going forward.

No thumbnails showing in File Explorer

If files open fine but thumbnails still look blank, this is often a thumbnail display issue rather than a missing extension. Try closing and reopening File Explorer, or restart your PC, and check again after giving the extension a little time to register.

Extension won’t install from the Microsoft Store

Make sure Windows Update is current, since Store installs can sometimes depend on having recent system components in place. If the Store app itself seems stuck or unresponsive, restarting your PC and trying again often clears temporary issues.

HEIC photos missing from your PC entirely

If you’re expecting photos synced from an iPhone or OneDrive and don’t see them at all, the problem may be on the sync side rather than the file format. Check your OneDrive sync status, or see our guide on how to disable OneDrive on Windows 10 and 11 if you suspect sync settings are interfering with where your files actually end up.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t Windows 11 open HEIC files by default?

HEIC is based on an image format that Windows doesn’t always include built in on every device. Microsoft typically makes the extra support available as a separate component through the Microsoft Store rather than bundling it with every installation.

How do I view HEIC images in Windows 11?

Once the right image extension is installed from the Microsoft Store, HEIC files should show thumbnails in File Explorer and open in the Photos app like other image formats, letting you browse and zoom in on them normally.

Can I open HEIC files without installing anything?

In many cases, no. Without the relevant HEIC/HEIF support in place, Windows 11 may not be able to properly display or open HEIC images, so you may need to add that support at least once before the files behave like other photos.

Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce photo quality?

There can be a small difference in quality or file size since JPG and HEIC compress images differently, but for everyday sharing and viewing the difference is usually not noticeable.

Do all my HEIC photos need to be converted?

Not necessarily. Once Windows 11 can open HEIC files directly, you only really need to convert a copy to JPG when you’re sending it somewhere that specifically requires that format.

Related guides

• How to Activate OneDrive AutoSave
• How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10 and 11
• How to Remove OneDrive from Your PC

Sources

• Windows Documentation (Microsoft Learn)
• Windows client documentation (Microsoft Learn)