How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windows

While the HEIC extension for iOS photos has become quite common these days, there is still no built-in support for this format on Windows, and you need to install additional codecs from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, if you want to use...

Method 1 of 2:

Installing codecs for HEIC from the Microsoft Store

How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windows Picture 1

Open the Microsoft Store app.
How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windows Picture 2

Find the HEVC extension package. HEVC (H.265) is a new video container format that replaced the previous H.264 format when recording videos with iOS devices.
How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windows Picture 3

Install the HEVC codec package. While the HEIC (HEIF) codec package is free, you need a paid HEVC video codec package installed to make it work. It's cheap, but you must have access to a payment method that will be accepted by the Microsoft Store.
How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windows Picture 4

Install the HEIF extension. Use the Search feature to find it. Note that it may already be installed in the most recent Windows 10 updates, so don't be surprised if it says that you already have it.
Verify results. Open any HEIC photo just to make sure that codecs were installed correctly.

Method 2 of 2:

Converting HEIC to JPEG with third-party converters

Choose a converter to use. There are a large number of free HEIC converters that can be easily found with a simple Google search. These converters are identical and mostly differ by type - online and offline. Choose whatever is best for your workflow.
Open the conversion window and import photos to the converter. Every converter has a field where you need to drag and drop photos for conversion. Just drag and drop your HEIC photos to that field.
How to Browse HEIC Photos on Windows Picture 5

Apply any additional settings and convert your photos. Converters may have additional settings like final file type (JPEG, PNG), location for converted files, quality, EXIF data, etc. Set any required settings and convert your photos.
Verify converted photos. Make sure to check the files after conversion for any damaged files or visual artifacts.