Unlock HEIC Files on Windows 10- Discover Free Methods to View and Convert Them

How to View HEIC Files on Windows 10 Free

In today’s digital age, the HEIC (High Efficiency Image File Format) format has become increasingly popular, especially with the release of the iPhone 12 series. However, many Windows 10 users may find it challenging to view HEIC files without additional software. Don’t worry; in this article, we will guide you through the process of viewing HEIC files on Windows 10 for free.

1. Using Windows Photo Viewer

One of the simplest ways to view HEIC files on Windows 10 is by using the built-in Windows Photo Viewer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the HEIC file you want to view.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Open with.”
3. Choose “Windows Photo Viewer” from the list of available applications.
4. The file should now open in Windows Photo Viewer, allowing you to view it as you would any other image.

2. Using Microsoft Photos

Microsoft Photos, another built-in application on Windows 10, also supports HEIC files. To view HEIC files using Microsoft Photos, follow these steps:

1. Open the HEIC file you want to view.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Open with.”
3. Choose “Microsoft Photos” from the list of available applications.
4. The file should now open in Microsoft Photos, where you can view and manage your images.

3. Using Third-Party Software

If you prefer a more comprehensive solution or encounter issues with the built-in applications, you can download and install third-party software that supports HEIC files. Here are a few free options:

1. HEIC Converter: This online tool allows you to convert HEIC files to JPEG or PNG formats, which can then be opened in any image viewer on Windows 10.
2. I Love IMG: Another online tool that lets you convert HEIC files to JPEG or PNG formats for free.
3. HEIC Viewer: This free software allows you to view HEIC files on Windows 10 without converting them to another format.

4. Enabling HEIC Support in Windows 10

If you want to view HEIC files directly in Windows 10 without any additional software, you can enable HEIC support by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting “Settings.”
2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.”
3. Click on “Check for updates.”
4. If there are any available updates, install them and restart your computer.
5. After the updates are installed, HEIC support should be enabled on your Windows 10 device.

In conclusion, viewing HEIC files on Windows 10 is not a daunting task. With the built-in Windows Photo Viewer and Microsoft Photos, or by using free third-party software, you can easily open and view HEIC files on your Windows 10 device. Additionally, enabling HEIC support in Windows 10 ensures that you can view HEIC files directly without any additional software.