The Photos app is corrupted. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Microsoft Photos > Advanced Options > Reset.
There is a secret "free" version. You can search for the "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" in the Microsoft Store. This version is sometimes available as a free download for OEM devices, which works perfectly on all Windows 11 PCs.
You installed the wrong extension. Uninstall "HEVC Video Extensions" and ensure you have "HEIF Image Extensions" installed. Restart your PC.
A: Only after you convert them to JPEG. Paint and older versions of Word do not support HEIC. heic image viewer windows 11
You can install the HEIC codec from the Microsoft Store:
To view HEIC files on Windows 11 as of April 2026 , you have several native and third-party options. While Windows 11 does not support HEIC files "out of the box" in its legacy state, it provides simple extensions to enable this functionality in the default File Explorer 1. Native Windows Solutions
If you have a batch of HEIC files you just need to view quickly and you don't want to install Microsoft Store extensions or paid codecs, is a popular third-party alternative. The Photos app is corrupted
If you don't want to install any additional software, you can convert HEIC images to JPEG using online tools or built-in Windows apps like Paint.
If you need to share your photos with others or use them in an application that doesn't support HEIC, converting them to the more universal JPEG (or JPG) format is an effective solution.
Don’t worry. You don’t need to convert hundreds of photos. Here’s how to view HEIC images natively in Windows 11. You can search for the "HEVC Video Extensions
Apple’s High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) keeps file sizes small while maintaining high photo quality. However, Windows 11 does not open these files natively right out of the box.
: Once both extensions are installed, you can double-click any file to open it directly in the Microsoft Photos App 2. Top-Rated Third-Party HEIC Viewers
If you want more features like batch conversion or advanced editing, check out these reliable alternatives: