Why will Windows not open my HEIC photo?
Some Windows installs need the HEIF Image Extensions package before the Photos app can decode HEIF images.
source-device · heif-/-heic
Convert HEIF photos for Windows
Use this Windows HEIF workflow when Photos, a video editor, or a work PC cannot open images copied from a phone. Microsoft documents that HEIF photos and HEVC videos may require extensions in the Photos app, and many workplaces lock down store installs. This page creates a JPG copy in the browser so the file can be attached, printed, uploaded, or dropped into older Windows software without changing system codecs.
JPGRuns in browserNo uploadDownload ready
Source formatHEIF / HEIC
Best outputJPG
Recommended toolHEIC to JPG converter
- Microsoft Photos issue
- Microsoft documents a Photos app message saying an extension is needed for HEIF or HEVC files.
- Extension path
- Microsoft lists HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions as the Photos app fix.
- Fallback path
- Microsoft also notes that many devices can automatically convert HEIC photos when transferring or emailing.
Source checked 2026-05-06: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/photos-app-video-editor-error-can-t-view-this-file-type-173ae0be-2b7d-d413-589e-84ccca0de02e
Source-device FAQ
Can I avoid installing a Windows extension?
For many upload or sharing tasks, yes. Convert the HEIC file to JPG in the browser and use the downloaded JPG copy.
Is this only for iPhone photos on Windows?
No. It can help with HEIF or HEIC photos from iPhones, iPads, Android devices, or shared archives.