Do you know how to open HEIC files on Windowscomputer? HEIC files are a relatively new image format that can be challenging to open, particularly if you're using an older version of Windows. But don't worry – we'll show you how toopen HEIC files on Windows and provide step-by-step instructions for converting HEIC files to more widely supported formats like JPEG.

So whether you're a photographer or simply received an HEIC file from a friend or colleague, you'll definitely learn how to easily open and view HEIC files on your Windows computer.

What Are HEIC Files Anyway?

HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Format) is an image file format that was introduced by Apple in 2017 as part of its iOS 11 update. It's designed to be a more efficient replacement for the traditional JPEG file format, which has been in use since the mid-1990s.

HEIC files offer several advantages over JPEG, including smaller file sizes, better image quality, and support for advanced features like transparency and depth maps.

HEIC files are based on the HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) video compression standard, which is used to compress and store images in a more efficient way than JPEG. HEIC files can store more information in a smaller space, which means that they take up less storage space on your device and can be transmitted more quickly over the internet.

While HEIC files were initially only used on Apple devices, they are now supported by a growing number of devices and applications, including some Android phones and Windows 10/11 computers.

However, some older devices and applications may not be able to open HEIC files without first converting them to a more widely supported format like JPEG.

How To Open HEIC Files In Windows 10/11

If you have a Windows 10/11 computer and you've received an HEIC file, you may not be able to open it right away. That's because Windows 10/11 doesn't natively support the HEIC format. However, there are a few ways you can open HEIC files on your Windows computer:

Option 1 - Install HEIF Image Extensions

Microsoft has released a free extension for Windows 10/11 called HEIF Image Extensions that adds support for HEIC files. You can download and install the extension from the Microsoft Store by following these steps:

• Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10/11 computer.
• Search for "HEIF Image Extensions" in the search bar.
• Click the "Get" button to download and install the extension.

Once you've installed the HEIF Image Extensions, you should be able to open HEIC files in the Windows Photos app and other applications that support the Windows Imaging Component (WIC) API.

Option 2 - Use A Third-Party Image Viewer

If you prefer not to install the HEIF Image Extensions, you can use a third-party image viewer that supports the HEIC format. Some popular options include:

• IrfanView - a free image viewer that supports a wide range of file formats, including HEIC.
• FastStone Image Viewer- a free image viewer that supports HEIC and other image formats.
• XnView- a free image viewer that supports HEIC and other image formats.

Option 3 - Convert HEIC To JPEG

If you're unable to open an HEIC file using the above methods, you can convert it to JPEG using an online converter or software program like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. See the next section for instructions on how to convert HEIC files to JPEG on Windows.

How To Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 (very easy method)

How To Open HEIC Images In Other Applications

If you want to open an HEIC image in an application that doesn't natively support the HEIC format, you can use a third-party image viewer or convert the file to a more widely supported format like JPEG. Here's how:

Option 1 - Use A Third-Party Image Viewer

As mentioned earlier, there are several third-party image viewers that support the HEIC format. If you have a preferred image viewer that doesn't support HEIC, you can install a HEIC codec or extension to add support. Some popular options include:

• IrfanView- a free image viewer that supports a wide range of file formats, including HEIC.
• FastStone Image Viewer - a free image viewer that supports HEIC and other image formats.
• XnView- a free image viewer that supports HEIC and other image formats.

Option 2 - Convert HEIC To JPEG

If you're unable to open an HEIC image using a third-party image viewer, you can convert it to JPEG using an online converter or software program like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. See the previous section for instructions on how to convert HEIC files to JPEG on Windows.

How To Convert HEIC Files To JPG On Windows

If you need to convert an HEIC file to JPEG on your Windows computer, there are several ways you can do it:

Option 1 - Use An Online Converter

There are many online converters that allow you to convert HEIC files to JPEG for free. Some popular options include:

• CloudConvert- a free online converter that supports HEIC and many other file formats.
• Zamzar - a free online converter that supports HEIC and many other file formats.
• FileZigZag - a free online converter that supports HEIC and many other file formats.

To use an online converter, simply upload the HEIC file to the converter's website and follow the instructions to convert it to JPEG. Once the conversion is complete, you can download the JPEG file to your computer.

Option 2 - Use Adobe Photoshop

If you have Adobe Photoshop installed on your Windows computer, you can use it to convert HEIC files to JPEG. Here's how:

• Open Adobe Photoshop on your Windows computer.
• Go to File > Open and select the HEIC file you want to convert.
• Go to File > Save As and choose JPEG from the "Save as type" dropdown menu.
• Click the "Save" button to convert the file to JPEG.

Option 3 - Use GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor that can also be used to convert HEIC files to JPEG. Here's how:

• Open GIMP on your Windows computer.
• Go to File > Open and select the HEIC file you want to convert.
• Go to File > Export As and choose JPEG from the "Select File Type" dropdown menu.
• Click the "Export" button to convert the file to JPEG.

How To Convert HEIC Files To JPEG On The Web

If you don't have access to a Windows computer or image editing software, you can use an online converter to convert HEIC files to JPEG. Here's how:

• Go to an online converter like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or FileZigZag.
• Upload the HEIC file you want to convert.
• Select JPEG from the list of output formats.
• Click the "Convert" button to start the conversion process.
• Once the conversion is complete, download the JPEG file to your computer.

What Can I Do For Corrupted HEIC Files?

If you're unable to open or convert an HEIC file because it's corrupted or damaged, there are a few things you can try:

• Use a file repair tool- There are several file repair tools available that can repair damaged or corrupted HEIC files. Some popular options include File Repair, JPEG Repair, and Hetman File Repair.
• Use a file recovery tool - If you've accidentally deleted an HEIC file or it's been lost due to a system crash, you can use a file recovery tool to try to recover it. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

Contact a professional data recovery service: If you're unable to recover the HEIC file using the above methods, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These services can use advanced techniques and specialized equipment to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices.

It's worth noting that not all HEIC files can be recovered, particularly if the file has been overwritten or the storage device has suffered physical damage. In these cases, it may not be possible to recover the file.

People Also Ask

How Can I Open HEIC Files On A Mac Computer?

Mac computers have built-in support for HEIC files, so you can simply double-click the file to open it in the Photos app. If you prefer to use another image viewer, you can also download and install third-party software like Adobe Photoshop or Pixelmator.

Can I Convert HEIC Files To Other Formats On My IPhone Or IPad?

Yes, you can convert HEIC files to other formats like JPEG directly on your iPhone or iPad. Simply open the image in the Photos app, tap the "Share" button, and select "Save as JPEG" from the list of options.

Is It Possible To Open HEIC Files On An Android Device?

Yes, there are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to open and view HEIC files on an Android device. Some popular options include HEIC Viewer, Piktures, and Simple Gallery. Alternatively, you can also convert HEIC files to JPEG using an online converter and then transfer them to your Android device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to open HEIC files on Windows may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a straightforward process. Whether you choose to use a third-party image viewer, convert HEIC files to JPEG, or use an online converter, there are plenty of options available to help you view HEIC files on your Windows computer.

By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you'll be able to open and view HEIC files with ease, no matter what version of Windows you're using. So don't let HEIC files hold you back – get started today and enjoy hassle-free image viewing on your Windows computer.