So, you’ve got that HEIC file on your Windows 10 device, and now you’re wondering how to open it without spending a dime. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! You’ll just need to install a couple of free tools from the Microsoft Store. After that, you’ll be able to view, and even convert, those HEIC files in no time.
How to Open HEIC File in Windows 10 Free
In the following steps, we’ll walk through how to open HEIC files on your Windows 10 computer using free tools. This process will involve downloading and installing two critical extensions from the Microsoft Store.
Step 1: Search for the ‘HEIF Image Extensions’ in the Microsoft Store
Head over to the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 device and type in "HEIF Image Extensions" in the search bar.
The HEIF Image Extensions are essential because they enable your system to read HEIC files, which are a type of HEIF image.
Step 2: Download and Install the ‘HEIF Image Extensions’
Click on the ‘HEIF Image Extensions’ result and then hit the ‘Get’ button to download and install it.
Downloading and installing the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store makes your Windows 10 capable of recognizing and opening HEIC files.
Step 3: Search for the ‘HEVC Video Extensions’ in the Microsoft Store
While still in the Microsoft Store, search for "HEVC Video Extensions."
The HEVC Video Extensions are necessary for decoding the video codecs that are often embedded in HEIC files.
Step 4: Download and Install the ‘HEVC Video Extensions’
Click on the ‘HEVC Video Extensions’ result and then hit the ‘Get’ button to download and install it.
Just like the HEIF extensions, these are crucial for ensuring that all data in your HEIC files can be read properly by your Windows 10 system.
Step 5: Open the HEIC File
Now that you’ve installed both extensions, locate your HEIC file and double-click on it.
After double-clicking, your default photo viewer should now be able to open HEIC files seamlessly. Voila! You’re all set.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 system will be able to open HEIC files without any issues. You can now view your photos just like any standard image format.
Tips for How to Open HEIC File in Windows 10 Free
- Make sure your Windows 10 is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
- If you encounter any error messages, try restarting your computer.
- You can convert HEIC files to JPEGs using free online converters if you need a more versatile format.
- Keep an eye on system updates from Microsoft, as they may include better native support for HEIC in the future.
- If the Microsoft Store is not accessible, you might need to check your internet connection or try accessing it from another network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I open HEIC files without downloading extensions?
Without downloading extensions from the Microsoft Store, you won’t be able to open HEIC files directly on Windows 10. You’ll need to use a third-party app or convert the files online.
Why can’t I see HEIC files after installing the extensions?
If you still can’t see HEIC files, make sure the extensions are correctly installed. Restart your computer and try opening the file again.
Are these extensions really free?
The HEIF Image Extensions are free, but sometimes the HEVC Video Extensions might not be. Check the Microsoft Store for the most current pricing.
Can I edit HEIC files on Windows 10?
Yes, once you can open HEIC files, you can also edit them using programs like Photoshop or GIMP.
What is a HEIC file anyway?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Coding. It’s a format that Apple uses to save images on iOS devices, which offers better compression than JPEG.
Summary
- Search for the ‘HEIF Image Extensions’ in Microsoft Store.
- Download and install the ‘HEIF Image Extensions.’
- Search for the ‘HEVC Video Extensions’ in Microsoft Store.
- Download and install the ‘HEVC Video Extensions.’
- Open the HEIC file.
Conclusion
Opening HEIC files in Windows 10 for free doesn’t have to be a complicated task. With just a few clicks in the Microsoft Store, you can download the necessary extensions to make your system compatible with this modern file format.
Why is this important? Well, more and more devices, particularly Apple products, are using HEIC for their photos because it provides high-quality images at smaller file sizes. So, knowing how to open these files on your Windows 10 device is a handy skill to have.
If you’re dealing with HEIC files frequently, consider checking if newer updates from Microsoft offer better support. And if you’re ever in a pinch, there are always online converters available to switch HEIC files to more universally recognized formats like JPEG.
So, go ahead and give it a try. Your Windows 10 will thank you for it. And hey, while you’re at it, maybe explore other cool features your computer has to offer. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.