Forum Discussion
Windows10 Photos app fails to open HEIC images after the HEVC extension is installed
After installing the HEVC video extension from the Microsoft Store, the Photos app still cannot open images in HEIC format.Although the extension appears to be installed, these images still cannot be read. Reinstalling the extension or restarting the app does not resolve this issue.
2 Replies
Search for and install "HEIF Image Extensions" (free) and "HEVC Video Extensions". Note that the HEVC extension may have both a paid and a free version from device manufacturers. The free version often works for viewing HEIC files.
You’ve installed the HEVC extension, but Photos still will not open HEIC images. HEIC is a HEIF image container and may require both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions; the video codec alone is not always sufficient. Check Microsoft Store > Library for updates to Photos and both extensions, then close Photos and restart Windows. Open an affected file from a local folder, and confirm it is actually .heic rather than a damaged file with a renamed extension. Test a newly transferred phone photo. If that opens, re-copy the failing originals; if it does not, reset Photos from Settings > Apps > Microsoft Photos > Advanced options, using Repair first and Reset only if necessary. Reset can clear app settings, not your pictures. As a workaround, transfer photos using the phone’s compatibility conversion option or OneDrive’s conversion workflow. Do not download random codec packs or replace Windows media files
