Fix HEIC and HEVC File Opening Problem in Windows 10/11

How to Open HEIC & HEVC Files on Windows 10 and Windows 11: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

HEVC - High Efficiency Video Coding | HEVC Video Extension/HEIC - High Efficiency Image Container | HEVC Video Extension

Modern smartphones—especially iPhones—capture photos and videos using advanced formats like HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) and HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding). These formats offer excellent quality while keeping file sizes small. However, Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not always support HEIC and HEVC files by default. Many users see errors such as:
Windows can’t open this file
Install the HEVC Video Extension
This file type is unsupported
If you are facing this issue, don’t worry. In this detailed guide, you will learn what HEIC/HEVC files are, why Windows has trouble opening them, and how to fix the problem quickly using safe and reliable methods.

What Are HEIC and HEVC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container)

HEIC is an image format introduced by Apple starting from iOS 11. It compresses photos more efficiently than JPEG, allowing users to store high-quality images with less storage space.

HEVC (H.265)

HEVC is a video compression standard used for 4K and high-resolution video. It reduces file size while maintaining excellent video quality.

Both formats save storage and offer better performance—but older systems or unprepared Windows installations may not decode them.

Why Windows Cannot Open HEIC or HEVC Files by Default

Windows 10 and Windows 11 need specific extensions (codecs) to open HEIC photos and HEVC videos. These extensions are not always pre-installed due to licensing requirements.

To view these files, users must install:

HEIF Image Extensions – to open .HEIC photos
HEVC Video Extensions – to open .H265 / .HEVC videos

Without these packages, Windows Photos, Movies & TV, and even some third-party apps cannot decode the formats.

Fix: Enable HEIC & HEVC Support on Windows 10/11

Below are the safest and most effective methods to enable full HEIC/HEVC support. You can choose any method depending on your system.

Method 1: Install HEIF Image Extensions (Free)

This extension allows Windows to open HEIC photos.

Steps:

Open Microsoft Store.
Search for: HEIF Image Extensions.
Click Get → Install.
After installation, try opening a HEIC file again.

This extension is usually free for all users.

Method 2: Install HEVC Video Extensions

Windows cannot play HEVC videos without an additional video codec. There are two main versions:

1. HEVC Video Extensions (Paid)

Official version from Microsoft.
Cost: Typically $0.99

How to install:

Open Microsoft Store.
Search for: HEVC Video Extensions
Buy → Download → Install.

2. HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer (Often Free)

This version is available to many users who purchased a device pre-configured with HEVC support.

How to install:

Search in Microsoft Store: HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer

This version is usually free.

After installing the HEVC codec, Windows will open HEVC videos without issues.

Method 3: Use Trusted Third-Party Apps

If you prefer not to install extensions from the Microsoft Store, you can use third-party software that has built-in HEIC/HEVC support.

Recommended Tools:

1. VLC Media Player (Free)

Supports HEVC (H.265) out of the box
Works on Windows 10, 11, macOS, and Linux
Can convert videos to MP4 if needed

2. IrfanView (With Plugins)

Supports HEIC images through plugins
Very lightweight and fast

3. XnView MP

Free image viewer with HEIC support
Great for batch converting images

Method 4: Convert HEIC/HEVC Files to Common Formats

If you want compatibility across all devices, you can convert HEIC photos to JPEG or HEVC videos to MP4.

1. Online Converters

heictojpg.com
cloudconvert.com
freeconvert.com

2. Offline Tools

iMazing HEIC Converter (for HEIC)
HandBrake (for HEVC → MP4 conversion)
FFmpeg (advanced users)

Note: Online tools require you to upload files, so avoid uploading private images/videos to unknown websites.

Troubleshooting: HEIC/HEVC Still Not Opening?

If your files still won’t open after installing the extensions, try these fixes:

✔ Update Windows

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates.

✔ Reinstall the extensions

Uninstall → reinstall the HEIF and HEVC packages from the Microsoft Store.

✔ Set default photo/video apps

Sometimes Windows doesn’t use the updated codec.

Go to:
Settings → Apps → Default Apps
Set:

Photos → Windows Photos
Videos → Movies & TV or VLC

✔ Restart your computer

Changes may take effect only after rebooting.

Is It Safe to Download HEVC/HEIC Files from Third-Party Websites?

Some websites offer HEVC codec downloads outside the Microsoft Store.
However:

They may contain outdated files
They may not be licensed
They can include malware

For safety, always use:

Microsoft Store
Trusted software
Reputable converters like HandBrake

Microsoft HEVC Video Extension 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

HEVC download file link: 1

Microsoft HEVC Video Extension 32-bit operating system, x86-based processor

HEVC download file link: 2

for a clear understanding, you can watch the video from the YouTube channel.

I hope your problem will be fix.

Benefits of Using HEIC & HEVC on Windows

Once you install the correct extensions, you can enjoy:

✔ Smaller File Size

HEIC photos are up to 50% smaller than JPEG.

✔ High Quality

Images and videos retain maximum detail.

✔ Better Performance on Modern Devices

New GPUs and CPUs handle HEVC decoding very efficiently.

✔ Full Compatibility

You can edit HEIC/HEVC files using:

Adobe Photoshop (with updates)
DaVinci Resolve
Premiere Pro
Windows Photos Editor

Conclusion

HEIC and HEVC are modern, high-efficiency file formats that offer superior compression and quality. While Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not support these formats by default, enabling support is simple. Whether you choose Microsoft Store extensions, third-party apps, or converters, you can quickly fix the issue and start opening HEIC/HEVC files without any errors.

By following the steps above, your Windows PC will fully support both HEIC images and HEVC videos—saving storage and improving overall multimedia quality.

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