How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10: 5 Ways

To open HEIC files on Windows 10, either convert them to JPG, which any viewer opens, or install something that lets Windows read HEIC. Converting in your browser needs no install. Microsoft’s HEIF and HEVC extensions, CopyTrans HEIC, IrfanView and Photoshop each let you open the original files, at different costs.

Why Windows 10 shows HEIC files as unreadable

HEIC is a HEIF image compressed with HEVC. Windows 10 needs two Microsoft Store packages to display it, and Microsoft’s support article says you need both “even if you only plan on using photos and not videos”. Without them, the Photos app may say “You need an extension to use this file”.

Microsoft also ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says these PCs “will continue to function”, but they no longer get security updates unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates, which run through October 12, 2027. The first four methods below support Windows 10; for Photoshop, check Adobe’s current system requirements.

The 5 ways at a glance

Way	Install	Cost	What you get
1. Convert in your browser (heicly)	Nothing	Free	JPG copies; photos are not uploaded
2. Microsoft HEIF + HEVC extensions	Two Microsoft Store packages	HEIF free, HEVC US$0.99 (US Store)	Windows apps can open HEIC; no JPG copies by themselves
3. CopyTrans HEIC for Windows	Desktop program	Free for personal use; business license priced on request	Previews in Windows Explorer, Windows Photo Viewer, right-click convert to JPEG
4. IrfanView	Desktop program plus a HEIC codec	Free for non-commercial use	A viewer that opens HEIC once a codec is installed
5. Adobe Photoshop	Photoshop plus Microsoft’s two extensions	Paid subscription	Opening and editing HEIC in Photoshop

Prices and terms checked on 17 October 2026; sources are listed at the end.

Way 1: Convert HEIC to JPG in your browser

If you only need to view or share the photos, convert them to JPG. The converter below runs on this page in an up-to-date Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Your photos are converted on your PC and are not uploaded, and nothing is installed.

1. Click “Choose Files” and select one or more HEIC photos, or drag them into the box.
2. Download each JPG, or download several as one ZIP.
3. Open the JPGs in Photos, Windows Photo Viewer or any other app.

There is no fixed number of photos; your PC’s memory sets the practical limit. Images larger than 16,777,216 pixels are resized proportionally, and the page tells you when that happens. Keep the HEIC originals if you need full resolution. For the same steps with screenshots, see converting HEIC to JPG on Windows 11; they work the same way on Windows 10.

Way 2: Install Microsoft’s HEIF and HEVC extensions

1. In Microsoft Store, install HEIF Image Extension. It is free and supports Windows 10 version 17763.0 or higher.
2. Install HEVC Video Extensions. It is US$0.99 in the US Store and supports Windows 10 version 16299.0 or higher.

The HEIF Image Extension page says “the HEVC Video Extensions package must be installed in order to view images stored in HEIF files that use the .heic, .hif or .heif file extensions”, so the free package alone is not enough. Once both are installed, Windows apps such as Photos can open HEIC files. The extensions do not convert files to JPG by themselves. Store prices can differ by country.

Way 3: CopyTrans HEIC for Windows

CopyTrans HEIC adds HEIC support to Windows itself. According to its website, you can preview and browse HEIC images in Windows Explorer, and on Windows 10 and 11 open them in Windows Photo Viewer. You can also right-click HEIC files to convert them to JPEG, PNG or PDF; the site says you can convert up to 100 images in one go and that conversion happens locally on your PC.

It supports Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11. It is free for personal use. Businesses, schools and government bodies need a business license, priced by the number of PCs and quoted on request.

Way 4: IrfanView

IrfanView is an image viewer that is free for non-commercial use and supports Windows 10 and 11. It does not decode HEIC on its own. Its FAQ says you must install a HEIC codec first and lists three options: Microsoft’s extensions (it names “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer”, a different Store package from the one in way 2, plus HEIF Image Extensions), a freeware HEIC Codec, or the CopyTrans HEIC codec, which is free for personal use.

Way 5: Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop can open HEIC on Windows, but Adobe says that to import .heic files you must “download and install both HEIF and HEVC Extensions directly from Microsoft”. It needs a paid subscription, so it makes sense only if you already use Photoshop to edit photos.

Avoid HEIC next time

If the photos come from an iPhone, Apple says photos imported to a PC “might be converted to JPEG”. To keep HEIC originals instead, open Settings > Apps > Photos on the iPhone and choose Keep Originals. To make the iPhone take JPEG photos from now on, see how to convert iPhone photos to JPG.

Which way to choose

• You only need to view or send a few photos: convert them in your browser. Nothing to install, no upload.
• You open HEIC files often: install Microsoft’s two extensions, or CopyTrans HEIC for personal use.
• You want a lightweight viewer: IrfanView, with one of the codecs above.
• You edit photos professionally: Photoshop, with Microsoft’s extensions.

Sources

Checked on 17 October 2026: Microsoft Store pages for HEIF Image Extension and HEVC Video Extensions (US Store), Microsoft Support on HEIC in Photos, Windows 10 end of support, CopyTrans HEIC and its business license page, IrfanView and its FAQ, Adobe’s HEIC codec page, and Apple’s HEIF guide.

Want to convert right away? Use the HEIC to JPG on Windows converter page.