Windows 10 cannot open HEIC files without extra software, but you have three working options

HEIC is Apple's newer photo format, smaller and sharper than JPG. When you get HEIC files from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Windows 10 will not recognize them — you will see a blank thumbnail and an error if you try to open one. You need either to convert the file to JPG first, install software that reads HEIC, or use an online converter.

The fastest route depends on whether you have just a few photos or hundreds. If it is a one-time thing, an online converter takes two minutes. If you work with HEIC files regularly, installing the HEIC Image Extensions from Microsoft Store is permanent and free.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft Store offers free HEIC Image Extensions that let Windows 10 open and view HEIC files directly in Photos or File Explorer.
  • Online converters like CloudConvert or Convertio turn HEIC to JPG in your browser without installing anything, but work best for a handful of files.
  • Third-party software like XnView or IrfanView can open HEIC files and save them as JPG, giving you more control over the conversion.
  • If you receive HEIC files from an iPhone or Mac regularly, the Microsoft Store extension is the simplest long-term solution.

Installing HEIC Image Extensions from Microsoft Store

This is the permanent fix if you open HEIC files more than once. The extension is free and works inside Windows 10's built-in Photos app and File Explorer.

Open Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 machine. In the search box at the top, type HEIC Image Extensions. Click the result published by Microsoft Corporation. Click the blue Get button, then Install. Windows will download and install it — this takes about one minute.

After installation finishes, close Microsoft Store. Now open File Explorer, find your HEIC file, and double-click it. It will open in the Photos app. You can view it, zoom in, and rotate it. If you want to save it as JPG instead, right-click the file in File Explorer, select Open with, then Photos. Once it opens, click the three dots menu at the top right, select Edit, then look for Save a copy or Export — the exact wording changes between Windows versions, but the option is there.

Converting HEIC to JPG with an online tool

If you have a few HEIC files and do not want to install anything, an online converter works in your web browser. This method takes about two minutes per batch of files.

Go to CloudConvert.com or Convertio.co in your web browser. On CloudConvert, click Select File and choose your HEIC file from your computer. In the dropdown that says Convert to, select JPG. Click the blue Convert button. When it finishes, click Download and save the JPG to your computer.

Convertio works the same way: click the upload area, select your HEIC file, choose JPG as the output format, and click Convert. Both sites handle one file at a time, though some allow you to upload multiple files if you pay. For free use, upload one file, convert it, download it, then repeat for the next file.

The converted JPG file will be slightly larger than the original HEIC but will open in any Windows program. Quality loss is usually not noticeable unless you zoom in very close.

Using desktop software to open and convert HEIC files

If you work with photos regularly and want more control over the conversion, desktop software gives you options that online converters do not. Two programs that handle HEIC well are XnView and IrfanView, both free.

Download XnView from xnview.com. Choose the Windows version and run the installer. Once installed, open XnView, click File, then Open, and select your HEIC file. It will display in the main window. Right-click the image, select Export, choose JPG as the format, and click Save. You can adjust quality and size before saving.

IrfanView (irfanview.com) works similarly. Download and install it, open your HEIC file through File > Open, then go to File > Save As and choose JPG. Both programs let you batch-convert multiple files at once if you select them all before exporting, which saves time if you have dozens of photos.

Why Windows 10 does not open HEIC files by default

HEIC is Apple's proprietary format, and Microsoft did not include support for it in Windows 10 when the format first appeared. The free Microsoft Store extension was added later as a solution, but it is not installed automatically.

JPG remains the standard format across all devices and software, which is why converting HEIC to JPG is often the simplest path forward. If you regularly receive photos from iPhone users, the Microsoft Store extension saves you the conversion step every time.

Choosing the right method for your situation

Use the Microsoft Store extension if you open HEIC files at least once a month. It is free, permanent, and requires no ongoing work. Install it once and forget about it.

Use an online converter if you have fewer than ten HEIC files and do not expect to receive them often. It is the fastest way to get a JPG without installing anything.

Use desktop software like XnView if you work with photos as part of your job or hobby. These programs give you control over quality, size, and batch processing, and they handle many other image formats too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert HEIC to JPG without installing software?

Yes. Online converters like CloudConvert and Convertio work in your web browser and require no installation. Upload your HEIC file, select JPG as the output format, and download the result. This works well for a handful of files but becomes tedious if you have many.

Will the JPG look different from the original HEIC?

HEIC files are usually smaller and sharper than JPG because of better compression. When you convert to JPG, the image quality stays high for normal viewing, but if you zoom in very close or print at large sizes, you may notice slight softness. For most uses, the difference is not visible.

Do I need to pay for the Microsoft Store HEIC extension?

No. The HEIC Image Extensions from Microsoft are free. Search for them in Microsoft Store, click Get, and install. Some third-party HEIC software costs money, but the official Microsoft extension does not.

What if the Microsoft Store extension does not work on my computer?

If you install the extension and HEIC files still will not open, your Windows 10 version may be too old. Make sure Windows Update is current by going to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates. If updates do not help, use an online converter or desktop software instead.

Can I batch-convert multiple HEIC files at once?

Online converters typically handle one file at a time unless you pay for an upgrade. Desktop software like XnView and IrfanView let you select multiple HEIC files and convert them all to JPG in one operation, which is much faster if you have dozens of photos.