If you have recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that you are unable to open HEIC files. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a lot of photos in this format. But don’t worry, in this article, we will guide you on how to open HEIC files in Windows 11.
What is a HEIC File?
Before we dive into how to open HEIC files, let’s first understand what they are. HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container) is a file format used for storing images. It was introduced by Apple in 2017 and is now the default format for photos taken on iPhones and iPads.
HEIC files are known for their high-quality and small file size, making them ideal for storing large numbers of photos. However, they are not widely supported by all devices and operating systems, including Windows 11.
Why Can’t I Open HEIC Files in Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not have native support for HEIC files, which means you cannot open them using the default photo viewer. This is because HEIC is a relatively new file format and is not yet widely adopted by all devices and operating systems.
How to Open HEIC Files in Windows 11
There are a few different ways to open HEIC files in Windows 11. We will go through each method step by step.
Method 1: Using a HEIC Viewer
The easiest way to open HEIC files in Windows 11 is by using a HEIC viewer. There are several free and paid options available online, such as CopyTrans HEIC for Windows, Apowersoft HEIC Photo Viewer, and iMazing HEIC Converter.
- Download and install a HEIC viewer of your choice.
- Once installed, right-click on the HEIC file you want to open.
- Select “Open with” and then choose the HEIC viewer from the list of programs.
- The HEIC file should now open in the viewer, and you can view and edit it as you wish.
Method 2: Converting HEIC Files to JPEG
Another way to open HEIC files in Windows 11 is by converting them to JPEG, a more widely supported file format. This method is useful if you have a large number of HEIC files that you want to open and view in Windows 11.
- Go to the HEIC file you want to open and right-click on it.
- Select “Open with” and then choose “Photos” from the list of programs.
- The HEIC file will open in the Photos app.
- Click on the “…” button in the top right corner and select “Save as.”
- Choose “JPEG” as the file format and click “Save.”
- The HEIC file will now be converted to JPEG and saved on your computer.
- You can now open and view the JPEG file in Windows 11.
Method 3: Changing the Default Photo Viewer
If you don’t want to use a HEIC viewer or convert the files to JPEG, you can change the default photo viewer in Windows 11 to one that supports HEIC files.
- Go to the HEIC file you want to open and right-click on it.
- Select “Open with” and then choose “Choose another app.”
- A list of programs will appear. If you have a photo viewer that supports HEIC files, select it from the list.
- If you don’t have a suitable photo viewer, click on “More apps” and then “Look for another app on this PC.”
- Navigate to the location where you have installed the HEIC viewer and select it.
- The HEIC file will now open in the selected photo viewer, and you can view and edit it as you wish.
Tips for Opening HEIC Files in Windows 11
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when opening HEIC files in Windows 11:
- If you are using a HEIC viewer, make sure to download it from a reputable source to avoid any potential security risks.
- If you are converting HEIC files to JPEG, keep in mind that the converted files will be larger in size than the original HEIC files.
- If you are changing the default photo viewer, make sure to select a program that supports HEIC files to avoid any issues.
Conclusion
Opening HEIC files in Windows 11 may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and methods, it can be done easily. Whether you choose to use a HEIC viewer, convert the files to JPEG, or change the default photo viewer, you can now view and edit your HEIC files in Windows 11 without any hassle.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to open HEIC files in Windows 11. With these tips, you can now enjoy your high-quality HEIC photos on your Windows 11 device.
