HEIC image extension not working on Windows 11, are there any heic extension alternatives?

In fact, there is no need to find the HEIC image extension alternatives, if the HEIC image extension not working on Windows 11/10, you can try the following method to fix it. 

Microsoft has pre-built two HEVC decoding programs in Windows:

Paid version: HEVC Video Extensions, which can be searched directly in the Store for general users;
Free version: Hidden “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturers”, reserved for pre-installed systems from OEM hardware manufacturers, but can be invoked by ordinary users through a special portal.

HEIC files inherently rely on HEVC (H.265) decoders, and Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions plug-in must work with HEVC decoders. If the system is updated to associate a paid version of the decoder by default (or if the decoder file is corrupted), it will cause the HEIF extension to fail. This method restores the underlying support by bypassing the paywall and deploying the free decoder directly.

Steps
Locate the free decoder:

1. Press Win+S to search for Microsoft Store and open it.
2. Type “HEVC video extensions from device manufacturers” in the store search bar (must be full name), or visit the link directly:

ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq  

    3. Click “Get” to install (if it says “already have”, uninstall the original HEVC extension and reinstall).
    4. Force associated system decoding:

    5. Right click on any HEIC file → Properties → “Open Method” and click “Change” on the right side.
Select the “Photo” app and check “Always use this app to open .heic files” → OK.

   6. Open File Explorer and go to Path:

C:\Windows\System32  

Search for heif.dll and hevcdecoder.dll and check that the file modification date is the time since the decoder was installed (make sure the files are updated).