What should you install for HEIC support on Windows?
Start with Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension from Microsoft Store. If Photos reports that an extension is required for HEIF or HEVC files, Microsoft's Windows 10 guidance says to install the HEIF and HEVC extensions, then restart Photos.
HEIF Image Extension, HEIC extension, and HEIC codec
These terms describe different parts of the same Windows compatibility problem.
HEIF is the image container format. Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension adds Windows support for HEIF files, so a HEIF extension for Windows is the first package to check when the format is not recognized.
HEIC is a common file extension used for HEIF images. On Windows, a HEIC extension refers to support for this image type rather than a separate Microsoft product named HEIC Extension. Microsoft HEIF Image Extensions support is provided through the Store package named HEIF Image Extension.
HEIC codec Windows 10: why HEVC can also be required
Microsoft's Windows 10 Photos guidance treats HEIF and HEVC as separate extension requirements when Photos says an extension is needed. The HEIF Image Extension provides HEIF image support, while HEVC Video Extensions provides HEVC codec support; in that case, Microsoft directs users to install both.
HEIF Image Extensions Windows 11 setup
On Windows 11, use Microsoft's official Store package when HEIF or HEIC support is missing.
On Windows 11, install the HEIF Image Extension first. If your HEIC file still triggers a codec or extension prompt, add HEVC Video Extensions and reopen the app.
HEIF Image Extensions Windows 10: what to install
Microsoft provides HEIF Image Extensions for Windows 10 through Microsoft Store.
The HEIF image extension for Windows 10 is Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension. HEIC files can also require HEVC Video Extensions, so the image extension and codec support solve different parts of the same compatibility issue.
For a HEIF Image Extensions download for Windows 10, use Microsoft Store rather than downloading an unrelated codec bundle or installer from another site.
Microsoft Store HEIF Image Extensions
Microsoft publishes the Windows HEIF package in Microsoft Store under the product name HEIF Image Extension.
For HEIF Image Extensions Microsoft Store setup, use Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension listing. It is the official Store source for the Windows HEIF support described here.
For Microsoft Store HEIC support, start with the HEIF Image Extension published by Microsoft. Add HEVC Video Extensions only when the app or file also requires HEVC codec support.
Install HEIF Image Extensions
Use Microsoft Store to add the HEIF package and, when HEIC files require it, HEVC support.
- 1
Open Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension listing
To install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, open the official HEIF Image Extension listing published by Microsoft.
- 2
Install the HEIF extension
Use the install control in Microsoft Store and let Windows finish the setup. This is the normal HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store download path; a separate installer is not part of Microsoft's documented Store method.
- 3
Install HEVC Video Extensions for HEIC files
Microsoft's HEIF package information and Photos guidance note that HEIC files also depend on HEVC support. If Windows or Photos still reports that codec or extension support is missing, install HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store as well.
- 4
Restart Microsoft Photos
Close Photos completely and open it again after the extensions are installed. Microsoft's Windows 10 Photos guidance specifically recommends restarting Photos after adding the HEIF and HEVC extensions.
HEIC extension for Microsoft Photos
Microsoft's Windows 10 Photos guidance points users to HEIF and HEVC extensions when the app reports that an extension is required.
If Microsoft Photos says that you need an extension to use the file, follow Microsoft's guidance to install the HEIF and HEVC extensions from Microsoft Store, then restart Photos. Microsoft does not document separate products named Microsoft HEIC Extension or Microsoft HEIC Image Extension for this case; the image package is HEIF Image Extension.
HEIF Image Extensions FAQ
Answers about Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft Photos, Store downloads, and removing the extension.
Use Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension from Microsoft Store. If the app also reports missing HEVC codec support, install HEVC Video Extensions as well.
For Windows 10, start with Microsoft's HEIF Image Extension. Microsoft's Photos guidance for HEIF and HEVC files says to install both the HEIF and HEVC extensions when the app reports that an extension is required.
Install the HEIF Image Extension from Microsoft Store. If Microsoft Photos reports that the file also needs HEVC support, install the HEVC extension too and restart Photos.
If Windows offers an Uninstall option, remove the package from Settings > Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10. Microsoft notes that some apps or components may not offer an uninstall option, so the available controls can vary by system.