Open HEIC files in Windows
If you've come across an HEIC file on your Windows PC and haven't been able to open it, don't worry, you're not alone. These files, typical of Apple devices, can be a headache when you try to view them on a computer with a Microsoft operating system. But don't despair, because they exist simple and effective solutions to be able to open and view these files without problems.
HEIC files (High Efficiency Image File Format) are an image format developed by Apple that is characterized by offering a high quality with a reduced file size. This means you can store more photos on your device without sacrificing visual quality. However, when you try to open these files in Windows, you find that the system does not recognize them natively.
But not all is lost. Below, we present some alternatives so you can open your HEIC files in Windows without complications:
1. Use Windows 10 Photo Viewer
If you have the Windows 1803 version 10 or higher, you're lucky that Photo Viewer includes native support for HEIC files. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft Store and search for “HEIF Extensions”.
- Click “Get” to download and install the free extension.
- Once installed, you will be able to open your HEIC files directly with the Photo Viewer of Windows.
2. Convert your HEIC files to JPEG
Another option is convert your HEIC files to a more compatible format, as JPEG. There are various online tools and applications that allow you to perform this conversion quickly and easily. Some of the most popular are:
- iMazing HEIC Converter: A free and easy-to-use application that allows you to convert your HEIC files to JPEG or PNG. You can download it from your Official website.
- CloudConvert: An online service that allows you to convert HEIC files to various formats, including JPEG, PNG and PDF. You just have to upload your files and select the desired output format. You can access CloudConvert from this link.
3. Use HEIC-compatible third-party apps
If you prefer to keep your files in HEIC format, you can choose to use Third-party applications that are compatible with this type of files. Some recommended options are:
- CopyTrans HEIC: A free and lightweight image viewer that allows you to open and view HEIC files on Windows. Additionally, it includes the option to convert your images to JPG if you wish. You can download it from your web page.
- Adobe Lightroom: If you already have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, you can use Lightroom to open and edit your HEIC files. This powerful photo editing tool supports a wide variety of formats, including HEIC.
4. Update to the latest version of Windows 10
As we mentioned above, the latest versions of Windows 10 include native support for HEIC files. If you have not yet updated your operating system, we recommend doing so to be able to open these files without having to install additional applications. To update Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” and click “Update & security”.
- In the “Windows Update” section, click “Check for updates.”
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
With these solutions, you can say goodbye to the frustrations of not being able to open your HEIC files in Windows. Whether using the native Photo Viewer, converting files to a compatible format, or using third-party applications, there is always a alternative to display your HEIC images without problems.
Don't let file formats limit you. Take advantage of these tools and enjoy your HEIC photos on your Windows PC without complications. Open, view and share your images with total freedom!