How To Open HEIC File in Windows 11 - [ With Pictures ]

Open and view HEIC files on Windows 10 and 11 easily using 2 different ways.

What is a HEIC file

The HEIC ( high-efficiency image coding ) file format is introduced by Apple at the beginning of IOS 11. It is a modern file system with less file size and more color than jpeg. 

It uses advanced compression techniques to reduce file size while maintaining the incredible quality of images. 

It supports 16bit color while jpeg supports 8bit with nearly half size compared to it. That is why Apple sets by default HEIC format for iPhone camera output. 

If you want to capture JPEG format from iPhone you can easily change it.

Advantages of the HEIC format

1. HEIC image file offers the same quality and nearly 50% less file size compared to jpg.

2. JPEG only supports 8bit color and HEIC supports a whopping 16bit color even compressed.

3, work well in Apple ecosystem and software.

Disadvantages of the HEIC format

1. HEIC does not widely support other devices and software outside of the Apple ecosystem.

2. you need to convert HEIC to jpeg to share it.

1. How to open HEIC file in Windows 11 PC using the Photos app

To open HEIC or HEIF image files on a Windows PC then make sure Windows as well as the Photos app is updated to the latest version,

1. Open File Explorer and navigate the HEIC image file where you saved it.

2. right click on the HEIC file and select Open with the Photos app

3. there is a popup appears [ download and install HEIC extension ] click on this

4. give permission to open the app store to download the HEIC extension

after installing the HEIC extension you can now able to open and see HEIC images in the Windows app forever.

Note: The HEIC extension is priced at $0.63 in the Microsoft store so you have to buy it.

2. How to open HEIC file in Windows 11 PC using the Google Photos app [ free ]

If some reason Windows Photo app not working on your device then you can use Google Photos to view as well as convert HEIC images to JPEG automatically,

1. open photos.google.com in your browser.

2. sign in with your Google account and click on the upload icon.

3. select the HEIC image on your computer or mobile device and upload it.

4. now in Google Photo you will see the uploaded HEIC image is automatically converted into JPEG.

to verify that click on the i icon of the photo and see the format column where JPEG is shown.

FAQ

1. Does HEIF AND HEIC ARE SAME

HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) and HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Coding) are related but not exactly the same.

HEIF is a container that stores an image or a series of images in one file. This format stores images at a high compression ratio, twice as efficient as its predecessors. 

It can store sequences of images such as HDR sequences or GIF animation. Images in this format have a .heif file extension, whereas a .heic represents image sequences.

On the other hand, HEIC is a file format capable of packaging several HEIF image sequences alongside other media files, i.e., audio recordings. Live Video is one example of an application that uses the HEIC file format. 

The HEIC file can store both image and video files. That’s the main difference between HEIC and HEIF file format.

2. why iPhone photo is HEIC

The iPhone uses the HEIC and HEIF formats due to their efficient compression and high-quality image retention. These formats allow for up to 50% compression without quality loss, enabling more storage space. 

They also support advanced features like Live Photos and metadata storage. However, their major drawback is limited compatibility with non-Apple devices. 

This can make file sharing with Android or Windows devices problematic, although newer Android versions (10 and above) do support HEIC.

3. which is better HEIC vs jpg

HEIC offers efficient compression, high-quality images, and advanced features like Live Photos and metadata storage, making it ideal for users who prioritize image quality and storage efficiency.

 However, JPEG, being more established, offers broader compatibility across various devices and software. So, if you're looking for ease of use and widespread acceptance, JPEG might be the better option