How to open HEIC files on Windows 10

On Windows 10, the no-install option is to convert the {.heic} to JPG in your browser. To open .heic files inside the Photos app, you need two Microsoft Store items: HEIF Image Extensions (free) and HEVC Video Extensions (usually a small paid item), which together give Windows 10 the decoders it is missing.

Windows 10 was released before HEIC became common, so a clean install has no HEIF support at all — a .heic usually shows as a plain white icon. Microsoft splits the fix into two pieces in the Store: the HEIF image extension handles the container, and the HEVC video extension handles the compressed image inside. You generally need both for the Photos app to render the picture.

Because the HEVC piece is a paid listing for most people, and Store installs are blocked on many managed Windows 10 machines, the browser converter is often the path of least resistance. It decodes the photo on your PC and never uploads it.

Two routes, depending on whether you want HEIC to open in Photos:

1.Convert in the browser (no Store, no admin rights)
Open the converter, drop your .heic files, and save them as JPG or PNG. Nothing installs and nothing leaves your computer — this works on any Windows 10 PC.
2.Add the two extensions so Photos opens HEIC
In the Microsoft Store, install HEIF Image Extensions, then install HEVC Video Extensions. Once both are in place, a .heic opens in the Photos app on double-click.
Microsoft Store›HEIF Image Extensions›HEVC Video Extensions

Convert HEIC in your browserDrop your .heic files and get JPG, PNG, or PDF — converted on your own device, nothing uploaded.

Last verified June 13, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Does Windows 10 support HEIC out of the box?

No. Unlike Windows 11, a standard Windows 10 install has no HEIF or HEVC support, so HEIC files appear as blank icons until you add Microsoft's Store extensions or convert the files.

Which extensions do I need for HEIC on Windows 10?

You need HEIF Image Extensions (free) plus HEVC Video Extensions (usually ~$0.99) from the Microsoft Store. The HEIF one handles the file container; the HEVC one decodes the actual image. Both are required for Photos to show the picture.

My Windows 10 PC blocks the Microsoft Store — now what?

Convert the file in your browser instead. It runs as web-page code, so it needs no Store, no install, and no admin rights, and the photo is decoded locally rather than uploaded.

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