PixFlipHow to Open HEIC Files on Windows 11 & 10 (3 Methods)
If you have transferred photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC, you have probably encountered .heic files that Windows cannot open. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format, and Windows does not support it out of the box. Here are three ways to fix that.
Method 1: Install HEIF Extensions from Microsoft Store
The simplest long-term solution is to add native HEIC support to Windows. Microsoft provides a free extension that enables the Photos app, File Explorer thumbnails, and other apps to read HEIC files.
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Search for "HEIF Image Extensions".
- Click Get (or Install) — it is free.
- On Windows 10, you may also need the HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99) for full support.
- Restart File Explorer or your PC. HEIC files should now open in the Photos app and show thumbnails.
Method 2: Convert HEIC to JPG Online with PixFlip
If you do not want to install extensions — or you need JPG files for sharing, uploading, or editing in apps that do not support HEIC — you can convert them instantly online.
- Go to PixFlip HEIC to JPG converter.
- Drag and drop your .heic files onto the page.
- JPG files are generated instantly in your browser — no upload, no waiting.
- Click Download to save the converted files.
This method works on any Windows version, requires no installation, and your files never leave your computer since all processing happens locally in the browser.
Method 3: Change iPhone Settings to Save as JPG
To prevent the problem entirely, you can configure your iPhone to save photos as JPG instead of HEIC going forward:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Camera → Formats.
- Select Most Compatible.
This changes future photos to JPG. Existing HEIC photos will remain in HEIC format and still need to be converted or viewed with one of the methods above.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Cost | Ease | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIF Extensions | Free (Win 11) / $0.99 (Win 10) | Easy | Original (no conversion) |
| PixFlip Online | Free | Very Easy | High (adjustable) |
| Change iPhone Settings | Free | Easy | Original (future photos only) |
Need to convert HEIC files right now?
Convert HEIC to JPG now — free, no install →Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Windows open HEIC files by default?
HEIC uses the HEVC codec, which requires a license. Microsoft does not include the HEVC decoder by default in Windows to avoid licensing costs. You need to install the free HEIF Image Extensions or a paid HEVC codec from the Microsoft Store.
Is the HEIF Image Extensions app free?
Yes. The HEIF Image Extensions app from Microsoft is completely free. However, the separate HEVC Video Extensions app costs $0.99. For viewing HEIC photos only, the free HEIF extension is usually sufficient on Windows 11.
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
There is a minor quality reduction when converting between lossy formats, but at high quality settings it is imperceptible for everyday photos. PixFlip uses high quality defaults to preserve as much detail as possible.
Can I convert HEIC files in bulk on Windows?
Yes. With PixFlip you can drag and drop multiple HEIC files at once and convert them all to JPG or PNG in a single batch. Everything runs in your browser — no software installation needed.