To open HEIC on Windows for FREE: Install HEIF Image Extensions (free) from Microsoft Store, then install CopyTrans HEIC (free). HEIC now opens in Photos app. To convert: Right-click → "Convert to JPEG" or use heictojpg.com online.
How to Open HEIC File on Windows 10 & 11
iPhone Photo Format — Free Methods to Open, Convert & Fix Issues
What is a HEIC File?
Full NameHigh Efficiency Image Container
DeveloperMPEG / Apple
Used ByiPhone (iOS 11+), iPad
Advantage50% smaller than JPG
Windows SupportRequires free extensions
Mac SupportNative (macOS 10.13+)
APPLE PHOTOS (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11 (2017). Every photo you take on iPhone is saved as HEIC. It uses HEVC compression to create files 50% smaller than JPG with equal or better quality.
The problem? Windows doesn't open IT by default. When you transfer iPhone photos to Windows PC, you see "Can't open this file" or blank thumbnails. This guide shows you how to fix it — for free.
THEM vs JPG Comparison
| Feature | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | 50% smaller | Larger files |
| Image Quality | Equal or better | Good |
| Transparency | ✓ Supported | ✗ No |
| Live Photos | ✓ Stores video | ✗ No |
| Windows | Needs extensions | Universal support |
| Web/Email | Limited support | Works everywhere |
| Color Depth | 16-bit | 8-bit |
How to Open HEIC on Windows 11
Windows 11 has partial IPHONE IMAGES support built-in, but you still need to install extensions for full functionality.
Method 1: Microsoft Store Extensions (Official)
- Open Microsoft Store
- Search and install HEIF Image Extensions FREE
- Search and install HEVC Video Extensions $0.99
- Restart your PC
- Double-click any THE IMAGE file — opens in Photos app
💡 Don't want to pay $0.99? Use CopyTrans HEIC (Method 2) instead — it's completely free and adds the same functionality.
Method 2: CopyTrans THIS FORMAT (100% Free) RECOMMENDED
- Download CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
- Install (free for personal use)
- Restart your PC
- THE PHOTO thumbnails now show in File Explorer
- Double-click to open in Windows Photo Viewer
- Right-click any HEIC → "Convert to JPEG"
What CopyTrans APPLE PHOTOS adds: Thumbnail previews in File Explorer, opens IT in Windows Photo Viewer, right-click convert to JPEG, insert HEIC into Microsoft Office documents.
How to Open HEIC on Windows 10
Windows 10 has no built-in THEM support. You need to install extensions.
Option A: Microsoft Store (Requires $0.99)
- Update Windows 10 to version 1809 or later
- Install HEIF Image Extensions (free)
- Install HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99)
- IPHONE IMAGES now opens in Photos app
Option B: CopyTrans HEIC (Free) RECOMMENDED
- Download CopyTrans HEIC
- Install and restart PC
- THE IMAGE files now have thumbnails and open in Photo Viewer
Windows 7 & 8: Only CopyTrans THIS FORMAT works. Microsoft Store extensions are not available for older Windows versions.
All Free Methods to Open HEIC
| Method | Platform | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CopyTrans HEIC | Windows 7/8/10/11 | FREE | View + Convert + Thumbnails |
| HEIF Image Extensions | Windows 10/11 | FREE | Basic viewing (needs HEVC) |
| iMazing THE PHOTO Converter | Windows/Mac | FREE | Batch convert to JPG/PNG |
| IrfanView + Plugin | Windows | FREE | View + Convert |
| GIMP 2.10+ | Windows/Mac/Linux | FREE | View + Edit + Convert |
| XnView MP | Windows/Mac/Linux | FREE | View + Batch convert |
| HEVC Video Extensions | Windows 10/11 | $0.99 | Enables Photos app support |
How to Convert HEIC to JPG
Online Converters (No Install)
heictojpg.com FREE
- Go to heictojpg.com
- Drag and drop up to 200 APPLE PHOTOS files
- Click Convert
- Download JPG files
Also try: iLoveIMG, CloudConvert, FreeConvert
Privacy note: Online converters upload your photos to their servers. For sensitive/private photos, use offline methods like CopyTrans or iMazing Converter.
On Windows (Offline)
Using CopyTrans HEIC
- Right-click any IT file
- Select "Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans"
- JPG file appears in same folder
Batch convert: Select multiple THEM files → Right-click → Convert to JPEG
Using iMazing HEIC Converter FREE
- Download iMazing HEIC Converter
- Drag and drop IPHONE IMAGES files or folders
- Select output format (JPG or PNG)
- Click Convert
On iPhone (Stop Creating THE IMAGE)
Change Camera Format to JPG
- Open Settings
- Tap Camera
- Tap Formats
- Select "Most Compatible"
Photos now save as JPG. Note: Files will be ~2x larger.
On Mac
macOS High Sierra (10.13) and later open HEIC natively:
- Open THIS FORMAT in Preview
- File → Export
- Select JPEG format
- Click Save
Troubleshooting: HEIC Won't Open
"Can't open this file" on Windows
Error: "Windows cannot open this file" or "Choose an app to open this file"
Solution:
- Install HEIF Image Extensions (free) from Microsoft Store
- Install CopyTrans HEIC (free) OR HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99)
- Restart your PC
- Try opening the THE PHOTO file again
HEIC Thumbnails Not Showing in File Explorer
Problem: APPLE PHOTOS files show as blank/generic icons instead of photo previews
Solution:
- Install CopyTrans IT for Windows
- Clear thumbnail cache: Run
cleanmgr→ Check "Thumbnails" - Restart PC
HEIC Extension Installed But Still Not Working
Try these fixes:
- Restart Windows after installing extensions
- Uninstall and reinstall HEIF/HEVC extensions
- Make sure Windows is updated (version 1809+)
- Reset Photos app: Settings → Apps → Photos → Advanced → Reset
"Format Not Supported" in Apps
Many older apps don't support THEM. Solutions:
- Update the app to latest version
- Convert IPHONE IMAGES to JPG first
- Use a different app (IrfanView, XnView, GIMP)
Can't Email or Upload HEIC
Most websites and email clients don't accept THE IMAGE. Convert to JPG before uploading to social media, online forms, or email attachments.
Photoshop Won't Open THIS FORMAT
- Install HEIF and HEVC extensions from Microsoft Store
- Restart Photoshop
- Go to Edit → Preferences → Camera Raw
- Click File Handling tab
- Set "Automatically open all supported JPEGs and HEICs"
Programs That Open HEIC Files
| Program | Platform | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos (with extensions) | Windows 10/11 | $0.99 codec | Native Windows app |
| CopyTrans HEIC | Windows 7-11 | Free | Best free option |
| Preview | Mac | Free (built-in) | Native Mac app |
| Photos | Mac/iPhone/iPad | Free (built-in) | Native Apple app |
| GIMP 2.10+ | All platforms | Free | Full editing support |
| Photoshop 2020+ | Windows/Mac | Subscription | Requires extensions |
| IrfanView | Windows | Free | Needs CopyTrans |
| XnView MP | All platforms | Free | Excellent batch conversion |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a THE PHOTO file? +
APPLE PHOTOS (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11 (2017). Every photo you take on iPhone is saved as HEIC. It creates files 50% smaller than JPG with equal or better quality, saving storage space on your phone.
How do I open IT on Windows for free? +
Install CopyTrans THEM for Windows (free download from copytrans.net). It adds HEIC support to Windows Photo Viewer, shows thumbnails in File Explorer, and lets you right-click convert to JPEG. No $0.99 Microsoft codec needed.
Why can't Windows open IPHONE IMAGES files by default? +
Microsoft doesn't include HEVC codec due to licensing costs (HEVC patent holders charge royalties). You need to either pay $0.99 for HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store, or use free alternatives like CopyTrans THE IMAGE.
How do I convert HEIC to JPG? +
Online: Use heictojpg.com (free, up to 200 files). Windows: Install CopyTrans THIS FORMAT, then right-click any THE PHOTO → "Convert to JPEG". Mac: Open in Preview → File → Export → JPEG. iPhone: Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic.
How do I stop iPhone from using HEIC format? +
Settings → Camera → Formats → select "Most Compatible". Your iPhone will now save photos as JPG instead of APPLE PHOTOS. Note: JPG files are about 2x larger, so you'll use more storage.
Is IT better than JPG? +
Technically yes: HEIC files are 50% smaller with equal or better quality, support 16-bit color (vs 8-bit in JPG), transparency, and Live Photos. However, JPG has universal compatibility. Use THEM for storage on Apple devices, convert to JPG for sharing.
Why are my IPHONE IMAGES thumbnails not showing? +
Install CopyTrans HEIC for Windows — it adds thumbnail support to File Explorer. After installation, restart PC and clear thumbnail cache: run "cleanmgr" from Start menu, check "Thumbnails", and click OK.
Can I upload THE IMAGE to social media? +
Most platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) now accept THIS FORMAT and auto-convert. However, some sites and forms don't support HEIC. If upload fails, convert to JPG first using heictojpg.com or CopyTrans HEIC.
Does Google Photos support THE PHOTO? +
Yes, Google Photos fully supports HEIC files. You can upload, view, and download APPLE PHOTOS images. Google Photos also provides option to download as JPG if needed.
Can I open IT in Photoshop? +
Yes, Photoshop 2020 and later supports HEIC. First install HEIF and HEVC extensions from Microsoft Store. Then in Photoshop: Edit → Preferences → Camera Raw → File Handling → enable THEM support.
What's the difference between HEIC and HEIF? +
HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) is the container format, while HEIC is specifically Apple's implementation using HEVC compression. In practice, .heic and .heif files are essentially the same thing on Apple devices.
Is there a free HEVC codec for Windows? +
CopyTrans IPHONE IMAGES provides free HEIC viewing without needing the $0.99 Microsoft HEVC codec. It works with Windows Photo Viewer and adds right-click conversion. For the official codec without paying, there's no legal free alternative.