Cannot Open HEIC Files on Windows 10/11? Look Here!

Cannot Open HEIC Files on Windows 10/11?

An HEIC file is a type of high-efficiency image file encoded by HEVC. It won’t occupy much storage space and the images of this format are high quality. Recently, it is reported that you cannot open HEIC files while trying to view them. In this post, we will cover how to open HEIC files on Windows 10/11 for you.

Way 1: Open the HEIC Files via Windows Photo App

The Windows Photo app allows you to view the HEIC files. If you can’t open HEIC files, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2. Locate the HEIC file and double-click on it. If you are asked which application you need to open it with, select Photos.

Step 3. Then, the Photos app will inform you that the HEVC Video Extension is required to display this file. Click on Download and install now to get if for free from Microsoft Store.

Step 4. After downloading and installing this app, you can view the HEIC files on your computer.  

Way 2: Convert HEIC to JPG

Another way to fix can’t open HEIC files is to covert the HEIC files to other compatible format on the web. There are many free tools for you to choose to convert your HEIC files. To edit texts, images, or links, you can try a free tool called MiniTool PDF Editor to improve your productivity.

Also see: HEIC to JPG: How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10/11

Way 3: Convert HEIC Files with VLC Media Player

Many people reported that they manage to open their HEIC files via VLC Media Player. This multimedia player is known for supporting a large number of formats. Here’s how to view your HEIC files via it:

Step 1. Open the HEIC files via VLC Media Player.

Step 2. Click on Media in the top left and then hit Convert/Save > Convert.

Step 3. Open the Profile menu and select JPG or another compatible format.

Step 4.  Choose the destination file and then hit Start.

Suggestion: Back up Your HEIC Files with MiniTool ShadowMaker

Chances are that the HEIC files are corrupted due to some reason, so you are unable to view them. Things will be better if you have a backup of these files. Once these files are damaged or missing by accident, you can restore them easily from the backup.

As for backup, you can try a PC backup software called MiniTool ShadowMaker. This tool supports to back up files, folders, systems, partitions, and disks on almost all the Windows systems. Now, let’s see how to back up your HEIC files with it:

Step 1. Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker to enter its main interface.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2. In the Backup page, go to SOURCE > Folders and Files to tick the HEIC files you want to protect. Then, go to DESTINATION to select a storage path for the backup image.

Step 3. Click on Back Up Now to start the process at once.

Final Words

So far, you can open and view your HEIC files without errors. More importantly, you can back up important files of different formats to avoid sudden data loss. Hope you can always keep your data safe and sound!