It can become a bit vexing when dealing with different computer brands, particularly when attempting to use Apple file formats on Windows PCs. HEIF and HEIC files are perfect examples of this. However, fear not, as opening HEIC files on Windows computers has become a breeze. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to discover how to access a HEIC file on your Windows PC.
Understanding the HEIC File
Whenever you take pictures on your iPhone or iPad, they are saved as HEIC files. HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image Container, which is a modernized version of the High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) that Apple has historically utilized on its mobile devices. Apple seamlessly uses HEIC and HEIF by default and has no trouble opening these types of files. Thanks to its advanced compression technology, HEIF retains high picture quality while occupying less space.
Back with iOS 11, Apple embraced HEIC as a means to conserve storage as the iPhone camera system evolved. Despite increased compatibility in recent years, the HEIC format remains relatively uncommon compared to widely used image formats like PNG, JPEG, and JPG.
Pros and Cons of HEIC
As with any file format, using .HEIC files has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore some of them.
Pros:
1. HEIC files consume less storage space on your device, making it easier to share longer video clips.
2. It provides superior picture quality compared to certain other formats.
3. It facilitates software that enables non-destructive picture editing.
4. It supports a scheme with up to 16-bit color.
5. HEIC allows you to capture live pictures and access other proprietary features on your device.
Cons:
1. Limited support for various devices and platforms.
2. Not currently supported by popular web browsers and social media platforms like Google Chrome, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.
3. HEIC format utilization by Apple and other companies is subject to copyright restrictions, limiting open-source options.
Opening HEIC Files in Windows
Opening HEIC files in Windows is a breeze with the native Windows Photos app, which comes pre-installed in Windows 10 and 11. However, if it’s your first time attempting to open HEIC files on Windows 10 or 11, you’ll need to take a few additional steps since it’s not supported by default.
Here’s a simple guide to opening a HEIC file on Windows 10:
1. In your Windows 10 file browser, locate the HEIC file you wish to open, and right-click on it.
2. Select the “Open with” option and then choose “Photos.”
3. After opening the file in Photos, a pop-up will appear, indicating that you need a HEIF image extension to view the image.
4. Opt for the “Download and install it now” option.
5. You’ll be directed to the Microsoft Store to get the plugin. A pop-up will inquire if you want to switch applications; select “Yes.”
6. Once on the Microsoft Store and the HEIF Image Extension page, click on “Get.”
7. Close the Microsoft Store after installing the extension.
8. Go back to File Explorer and select your HEIC image, then double-click on it.
9. Your image will now open flawlessly in Photos.
Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows
Opening HEIC files on unsupported versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or earlier versions of Windows 10, can be troublesome. For a quick and effortless conversion of HEIC files to standard JPEG photos, you can download software like CopyTrans HEIC for Windows.
This program is particularly helpful when using Windows without built-in support for Photos, as it provides full support for HEIC photos in Windows. It upgrades the traditional Windows Photo Viewer to include HEIC photo support. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the CopyTrans Control Center and install the CopyTrans Photo app.
2. Click on “Start” and navigate to the location of the image in the software.
3. Right-click on the image and select the “Save to JPEG” option from the drop-down menu.
Alternatively, you can easily and swiftly convert a HEIC file to a JPEG file with CopyTrans HEIC by right-clicking on the HEIC file in File Explorer and choosing “Convert to JPEG.” The tool will automatically place a JPEG version of the image in the same folder as the original HEIC file.
This enables you to utilize the HEIC file in programs that support JPEG format pictures but not HEIC files, as JPEG files are more commonly supported by default software.
Opening HEIC Files in Other Applications
More applications are incorporating native access to HEIC files and those in the HEIF format. While you may need to install the HEIF Extensions and the HEVC Extensions, applications like Photoshop now have the capability to open these files. Additionally, you can download separate apps or use online services that allow you to open HEIC files on Windows 10 or 11.
Here are some of the best HEIC file viewers for Windows:
1. Google Photos
2. Dropbox
3. Microsoft Photos
4. HEIF Utility
5. XnView
6. CopyTrans
7. Apowersoft Viewer
All of the aforementioned software and services are free to use.
Converting a HEIC File to JPEG on the Web
If you prefer not to install software on your computer, you can use an online conversion tool. Simply upload the HEIC file, and the tool will provide you with a downloadable JPEG version. One such service that enables this is HEICtoJPG.com. Here’s how to open HEIC files using such programs:
1. Visit a website like HEICtoJPG.com. You can upload around five pictures for quick conversion or drag and drop a HEIC file from your computer onto the page. The website and similar services will then convert your HEIC files to JPEGs, allowing you to download the converted JPEG files from the webpage.
This method works for converting HEIC to JPG on Windows 10 or any other operating system.
Disabling HEIC File Type on iPhone
If dealing with HEIC files continues to be problematic, you can set your iPhone to capture images in JPEG format automatically. Here are the steps to stop your iPhone from using the HEIC file format:
1. Open your iPhone and tap on the Settings icon.
2. Tap on the Camera icon.
3. On the Camera page, locate the Formats option and tap on it.
4. This will display the photo formats for taking, saving, and transferring images to your computer.
5. Under the Camera Compatible option, you’ll find the High Efficiency option.
6. Change it to Most Compatible if you want to disable the HEIC format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Convert a HEIC File to a JPEG?
Converting a HEIC file to a JPEG is quite simple. Open the HEIC image you wish to convert in the Preview. Click on the File option, then select Export. In the Format menu, choose JPEG, and then click on Save. Your image will now be saved in JPEG format.
Can Windows 10 Read HEIC Files?
Windows 10 version 18.09 or later is required to open HEIC files. You can download the HEIF Image Extensions support tool from the Microsoft Store. To ensure your HEIC files maintain their video capabilities, you must purchase the HEVC Video Extensions tool.