Mac systems store images in HEIC format by default, which can save about half the space while maintaining the same quality as JPG format. If you have an Apple device, you can open it easily, but many Windows users will encounter the problem that it cannot be opened after double-clicking. How do you open HEIC files then? Don't worry now; we'll show you how to open a HEIC file in Windows quickly.

Part 1. What are HEIC Files Used For

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Format. Apple developed this image format to help users store high-quality images that take up less storage space using some advanced compression techniques.

HEIC files serve a range of usages, including:

Efficient storage: The HEIC file type is designed to provide excellent compression without sacrificing quality, so you can store more photos without running out of storage space.

High-quality image: HEIC files support advanced features such as transparency and up to 16-bit color schemes, which makes them ideal for professional photography and graphic design.

Share: HEIC files are great for sharing with others as they can be easily transferred between devices without any quality loss, and they also support live photos.

Part 2. How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10/11

While many photo viewer tools cannot open HEIC images, the most fundamental solution if you don't want to perform tedious operations is to turn off HEIC on iPhone. If you still want to know how to open a HEIC file on Windows 10/11, here are two methods.

HEIF Image Extensions

Step 1. After following the steps above to transfer the HEIC photo to your computer, double-click it. Tap Photos if you're asked to choose an application to open the file and click OK.

Step 2. The selected image will then open in the default Photos tool. If it cannot be opened, it means your computer does not have the proper extension to display HEIC files. Click the link under the error message that pops up.

Step 3. Choose Yes when the device asks whether you meant to switch the application. Next, you will jump to the HEIF Image Extension page in the Microsoft Store App. Click Install .

Step 4. After launching it successfully, you can open all the HEIC files in Photos.

CopyTrans Viewer

With CopyTrans Viewer, you can easily preview and browse HEIC photos. After a simple installation, you can process these HEIC files just like you would on an Apple device without any additional software.

Step 1. Free download and install CopyTrans Viewer on Windows. Then, run it to its main interface.

Step 2. Next, to start viewing your HEIC photos, you can drag and drop the file directly to the black zone or click on the yellow button to select it. You will see an icon of CopyTrans Viewer in the upper left corner of your live photos.

Step 3. Finally, you can view HEIC pictures directly.

Part 3. How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Convert HEIC to JPG/PNG in Paint

If you don't want to download any software or programs, there is a more convenient way: directly convert the HEIC format, which is not compatible with Windows, to the JPEG or PNG format that is compatible with Windows. Here, we introduce one that operates directly on your desktop. Of course, you can also convert HEIC to JPG online.

Step 1. Right-click the HEIC file you want to convert. A menu will pop up. Move your mouse to Open with and select Paint.

Step 2. After entering the Paint window's main interface, tap the File button in the top left corner.

Step 3. Hover your mouse over Save as , click the triangle mark on the far right, and you can select the image format you want to convert, such as PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF or other formats.

Step 4. You can name the new file in the Save as interface and select the storage address. Then click Save to view the converted JPEG image in the selected folder.

Convert HEIC Files to JPG/PNG in One Click

If you find the method above is painstaking when you want to batch convert HEIC files, you can also use Apeaksoft Free HEIC Converter to convert HEIC files to JPG/JPEG/PNG that can be opened in Windows directly in bulk in one click. This tool is completely free.

Follow the steps below to convert the HEIC file to a format that Windows can open:

Step 1. Free download this eminent HEIC converter to your computer.

Step 2. Click the Add HEIC button to add your target HEIC files. You can also drag them to the software area. You can add them in bulk.

Step 3. You will see the conversion settings in the right sidebar after you've added HEIC files. Click the down-arrow after Format to choose your ideal output format. You can also choose the quality and saving path.

Step 4. After selection, press the Convert button. It will be completed in a few seconds.

More Tips: Transfer HEIC Files from iPhone to Windows

If you want to transfer iPhone photos to Windows, you should ensure they are transferred correctly for further successful opening. Here, we recommend using Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer to safely and efficiently import HEIC photos to a PC, ensuring seamless compatibility and easily managing photo libraries across different platforms.

Step 1. Download Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer from the above page. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable, then wait until it detects the iPhone and enters the main interface.

Step 2. Select Photos in the function category on the left, and all the photos on your iPhone will be quickly displayed. You can preview and select the HEIC photos you need to transfer.

Step 3. Tap Export to PC from the top screen and select a location on the computer, then the HEIC transfer from iPhone to computer will start.

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