What to Do When HEIC Files Don’t Open?

 HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image File Format, and it is a new image container format that is by default available on the new photos of the iOS 11, and it saves space. Apple had introduced this format on its iPhone and iPad devices after the launch of iOS 11. The software allowed the iPhone and iPad users to share the HEIC files in default JPEG format easily. Users can also transfer images and videos on a compatible device.

However, when a Windows user tries to access these files, they often find “file format not supported” notification popping on their screen. Windows do not support this image format that Apple had introduced in their iOS devices. Fortunately, you can use third-party method support to check the HEIC files on your Windows PC or laptop. To do so, check the options or methods available to you below:

Use HEVC Video Extension

Microsoft offers official support to a tool for converting HEIC files. This tool or app is known as HEVC Video Extensions that costs $0.99 only. You have to buy the app to get the support for HEIC photos on your PC. You can find the ‘HEVC Video Extensions’ app on Microsoft Store. After installing it, install ‘HEIF Image Extensions’ for free. After installing both the apps on your PC, double-click your HEIC files, and it will start opening without any trouble.

Get Online Help for Converting HEIC into JPEG

One of the easiest ways is to access the HEIC files is to convert them via online tools without downloading any app. You can find a compatible format convert for this purpose very easily and for free on the web. All you have to do on such sites is upload the HEIC file or image, edit them as per your requirements, and get them converted. For this purpose, we recommend using the ‘HEIC to JPEG’ converter tool. Once you find it, here is what to do:

1. Open the ‘HEIC to JPEG’ website on your browser.
2. Transfer all your HEIC photos you want to convert to JPEG to the box given on the website. You can upload up to five photos at a time.
3. As soon as you upload your files, this tool will automatically start converting your files.
4. Once the images are converted, download them on your Windows PC.

Use Offline Converter on Windows

There is no harm in using an online conversion tool, but comparatively, offline tools are faster. You can also have a better grip on your files in an offline converter, making it more convenient. You can find a variety of offline converters, but the best one of all is the ‘iMazing HEIC Converter.’ It is a free tool converter that will quickly convert your HEIC photos into JPEG or PNG format. You can find this tool on the Microsoft Store. After installing this app, use the following steps:

1. Open the tool and upload the photos you want to convert.
2. Then, drop them onto the tool’s interface.
3. From the Format dropdown menu, you can choose JPEG or PNG format for conversion.
4. You can also enable the checkmark on the box for ‘Keep EXIF Data’ for preserving the EXIF data. Using the Quality slider, adjust the quality for your photos and then hit the Convert button.
5. Choose a folder for saving the converted files and click on OK.
6. After the conversion process, click on Show Files to check if your photos have entered the File Explorer successfully.

Use CopyTrans

CopyTrans HEIC is a free tool for Windows users that you can use for personal work. CopyTrans adds support for the HEIC files on Windows and adds native support for HEIC file format, enabling you to see the files in your existing image viewer. It means that after installing and setting the app, the HEIC files will open like the other photos in Windows Photo Viewer. Following are the steps to install and use the app in your Windows system:

1. Go to the ‘CopyTrans HEIC for Windows’ website.
2. Then, download and install the tool on your PC.
3. Give a right-click on any one of your HEIC images.
4. From there, select Properties.
5. Ensure that you are in the General tab, and then click on Change.
6. Now, select Windows Photo Viewer as your default tool to open the HEIC photos.
7. Click on Apply and hit the OK button to save the changes.
8. Now, double-click on any of your HEIC files to find them open in the Windows Photo Viewer.

Using this tool, you can convert your HEIC photos to the JPEG format without any trouble. To do so, open File Explorer and select the HEIC image you want to convert. Give a right-click on any of your photos, and select ‘Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans.’ The app will start the conversion process and save the new image in the same folder as the original image without tweaking the original pictures.

Using these methods, you can get access to HEIC files without any hassle. You might come across multiple images on the desktop that requires you to use these methods soon in the future. So, save these methods or install the tools you find are best for your desktop to use them every time you get a HEIC file on the system.

Source-What to Do When HEIC Files Don’t Open