
How to Open HEIC Files in Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever come across a HEIC file and wondered how to open it on your Windows 10 computer? HEIC, or High Efficiency Image File Format, is a modern image format introduced by Apple. While it offers superior compression and quality, it can be challenging to open on non-Apple devices. Fear not, as this guide will walk you through various methods to open HEIC files on Windows 10.
Using Apple’s HEIC Converter
One of the simplest ways to open HEIC files on Windows 10 is by using Apple’s HEIC Converter. This tool is available for free and can be easily downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 computer.
- Search for “HEIC Converter” in the search bar.
- Click on the “Get” button to download and install the app.
- Once installed, open the app and select the HEIC file you want to convert.
- Choose the desired output format, such as JPEG or PNG.
- Click “Convert” to save the converted file to your computer.
Using Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software options available that can open HEIC files on Windows 10. Some popular choices include IrfanView, XnView, and FastStone Image Viewer. Here’s how to use IrfanView as an example:
- Download and install IrfanView from its official website.
- Open IrfanView and go to “File” > “Open” > “HEIC” to open the HEIC file.
- Alternatively, you can right-click on the HEIC file and select “Open with” > “IrfanView” to open it directly.
Using Online Converters
Online converters are another convenient option for opening HEIC files on Windows 10. These tools allow you to upload your HEIC file and convert it to a more compatible format, such as JPEG or PNG, which can then be opened on your computer. Here’s how to use an online converter:
- Search for “HEIC to JPEG online converter” or a similar search term in your web browser.
- Select a reliable online converter from the search results.
- Upload your HEIC file to the converter’s website.
- Select the desired output format, such as JPEG.
- Click “Convert” to start the conversion process.
- Once the conversion is complete, download the converted file to your computer.
Enabling HEIC Support in Windows 10
As of Windows 10 version 1809, Microsoft has added built-in support for HEIC files. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer.
- Go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” > “Advanced options” > “Choose how updates are delivered” > “Get updates from these sources” > “Additional options” > “Allow downloads from: Selective download sources on Windows Update.” Make sure “Microsoft Update” is checked.
- Restart your computer.
- Open the File Explorer and right-click on the HEIC file you want to open.
- Select “Open with” > “Choose another app” > “More apps” > “Windows Photo Viewer” or any other compatible image viewer.
Using Windows 10’s Default Photo Viewer
With Windows 10 version 1809 and later, the default Photo Viewer now supports HEIC files. To open a HEIC file using the default Photo Viewer, follow these steps:
- Double-click on the HEIC file to open it.
- Windows will automatically prompt you to choose an app to open the file. Select “Windows Photo Viewer” or any other compatible image viewer from the list.
Conclusion
Opening HEIC files on Windows 10 can be done in several ways, including using Apple’s HEIC Converter, third-party software, online converters, enabling HEIC support in Windows 10, and using the default Photo Viewer. Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy