How do I open a HEIC file on Windows?
To open a HEIC file on Windows, install the HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or skip the install and convert the file to JPG with a browser based converter. Converting is faster for a few photos and works on any version of Windows.
Windows 10 and 11 can display HEIC photos in the Photos app once Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions are installed. HEVC decoding, which HEIC relies on, may also require the separate HEVC Video Extensions, which Microsoft sells for a small fee on some devices.
If you only have a handful of pictures, converting is simpler. An in-browser converter changes the HEIC into a JPG without installing anything and, when it runs locally, without uploading your photos.
Steps
- Open ARTH Convert in any browser.
- Add your HEIC photos.
- Choose JPG and press Convert.
- Download the JPG files and open them normally.
More questions
Why does Windows show a blank thumbnail for HEIC?
Without the HEIF and HEVC codecs installed, Windows cannot decode the image, so it shows a generic icon.
Is it safe to convert HEIC online?
It is safe when the converter runs on your device and does not upload files. ARTH Convert processes photos locally in your browser.
Related
Last updated 9 October 2026. Published by ARTH, the studio behind ARTH Convert.