How to Open HEIC Files
On Windows 10/11, Mac, Android and Photoshop — with and without installing software.
HEIC has been the iPhone's default photo format since iOS 11. If someone sent you a .heic file and Windows won't open it, it's not a virus or a corrupted file — you're just missing the codec. Here's every way to open one, starting with the option that needs no installation at all.
No install needed (best for a one-off)
Drop the .heic file into conversorheic.com. The conversion happens in your browser — the photo never leaves your device, and it keeps working offline once the page has loaded. Handy if someone sent you a handful of photos, or you're on a computer that isn't yours.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Option A — Official extensions (free, 2 minutes)
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions (published by Microsoft, free) → Install.
- Search for HEVC Video Extensions — the one published by Microsoft is usually a paid add-on (about $0.99); a free alternative is HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, if your PC has it listed.
- Restart Photos/File Explorer. You'll see thumbnails, and double-clicking opens the file in Photos.
The catch: that paid HEVC extension is the number one reason people give up and just convert to JPG instead.
Option B — Third-party viewer
CopyTrans HEIC (free for personal use) adds HEIC support to Windows Photo Viewer and lets you right-click → Convert to JPG. Useful if you'd rather skip the Store entirely.
Windows 7 and 8
No official extensions exist for these. Use CopyTrans, or convert to JPG online and keep the JPG. Avoid installing codecs from unofficial sites — they often bundle adware.
Mac
Since macOS High Sierra (10.13), HEIC opens natively in Preview and Photos. If it doesn't, update macOS. On older versions, convert to JPG online instead.
Android
Since Android 9, the gallery app opens HEIC directly. If yours doesn't: update the OS or open the file with Google Photos. To view older HEIC files without updating, use a compatible viewer app or convert them to JPG.
iPhone (where HEIC comes from)
The iPhone opens its own HEIC files natively, obviously. To stop it from shooting in HEIC going forward: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible (JPG). Files will be larger, but you'll skip conversion entirely. Photos already taken stay HEIC either way.
Photoshop
Photoshop CC 2020 and later opens HEIC if the system has the codec (see Windows Option A / an updated Mac). On Windows without the extensions you'll see "Could not complete your request." Restart Photoshop after installing them.
Step by step, with the exact extensions and the free alternative: how to open HEIC files in Photoshop.
Quick reference
| System | No install | One-time install | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11/10 | Convert to JPG online | HEIF + HEVC (Store) | HEVC extension can be paid |
| Windows 7/8 | Convert online | CopyTrans HEIC | No official support |
| macOS ≥10.13 | Preview | — | Native |
| Android ≥9 | Google Photos | OS update | Native since Pie |
| Photoshop | Convert online | System codec | Restart PS after install |
Convert it to JPG in your browser, with nothing uploaded anywhere.
Convert HEIC to JPG now
FAQ
What app opens HEIC on Windows 10 and 11?
HEIF Image Extensions plus HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. After that, Photos and File Explorer open it like any JPG.
How do I open a HEIC file without installing anything?
Convert it to JPG in your browser at conversorheic.com — nothing gets uploaded anywhere.
How do I open HEIC on a Mac?
Nothing to install: since macOS High Sierra (10.13), Photos and Preview open HEIC natively because Apple bundles the HEVC codec. If your Mac still won't open it, update the OS; failing that, convert the photo to JPG.
Does Android open HEIC?
Yes, since Android 9. If not, use Google Photos or update your OS.
Does Photoshop open HEIC?
Yes, since CC 2020, if the system has the HEIF/HEVC codec. On Windows, install the extensions and restart Photoshop.