Can Windows 10 open and read HEIC files?
Yes. In Microsoft Photos, Windows 10 can use HEIC/HEIF files after the required HEIF and HEVC extensions are installed, provided the PC meets the packages' system requirements. If Photos says you need an extension, install both Microsoft Store extensions, restart Photos, and open the file again.
How to open HEIC files in Win 10 with Microsoft Photos
Use the Windows 10 Photos app with Microsoft's HEIF and HEVC extensions.
- 1
Open the HEIC file in Photos
Double-click the HEIC file or open it with Microsoft Photos. If Photos can already read the file, the image opens normally. If Photos says that you need an extension to use the file, continue with the next step.
- 2
Install the HEIF and HEVC extensions
Microsoft's Windows 10 guidance says to install both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store when Photos reports that these file types need an extension. After installation, restart Photos before trying the file again.
- 3
Restart Microsoft Photos
Close Photos after the extensions finish installing, then open the app again. Microsoft specifically instructs Windows 10 users to restart Photos after installing the HEIF and HEVC extensions.
- 4
Open the HEIC file again
Open the same HEIC file in Photos again. If the PC meets the extensions' system requirements and the required packages are installed, Photos should now be able to use the file.
How to view HEIC files on Win 10
Viewing and opening use the same native Photos path on Windows 10.
How to open HEIC files on Win 10 after setup
Open the image in Microsoft Photos. When the required HEIF and HEVC support is already available, Photos can display the image directly. If Photos shows an extension message instead, install the Microsoft Store extensions before trying again.
Why Windows 10 may ask for HEIF and HEVC extensions
Microsoft treats the image-format extension and codec extension as separate requirements in its Windows 10 Photos guidance.
HEIF Image Extensions adds HEIF image-format support. Microsoft also instructs Windows 10 Photos users to install HEVC Video Extensions when Photos reports that the affected HEIF/HEVC file needs those extensions.
Whether Photos can use the file depends on the installed format and codec support rather than on the .heic filename alone.
If the HEIC file still does not open
On a Win10 PC, keep the troubleshooting focused on the Microsoft Photos path before changing tools or file formats.
- Confirm that both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions finished installing.
- Close and restart Microsoft Photos after the extensions are installed.
- Check that the PC meets the extensions' Microsoft Store system requirements.
- Try the same HEIC file in Photos again after the restart.
Windows 10 HEIC FAQ
Answers about opening, viewing, and reading HEIC files in Windows 10.
Yes. Microsoft documents HEIF and HEVC support for the Windows 10 Photos app through Microsoft Store extensions. If Photos says an extension is required, install both the HEIF and HEVC extensions, restart Photos, and try the file again.
Windows 10 Photos can use HEIC/HEIF files when the required Microsoft extensions are installed and the PC meets their system requirements. If Photos displays an extension prompt, install the HEIF and HEVC extensions and restart the app.
Restart Microsoft Photos, then open the HEIC file again. Microsoft's Windows 10 instructions specifically call for restarting Photos after installing the HEIF and HEVC extensions.