If you are not able to open HEIC files in Windows 10, follow these steps to force the Windows 10 Photos app to spread out HEIC photos natively.

Most modern smartphones are now saving photos in the HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Data format) format with HEIC file extension. For instance, my Samsung smartphone saves photos as HEIC files. Compared to the age-old JPEG format, HEIF offers, better image quality at lower overall file size. If you're interested, take a look at Wikipedia page. It goes into great detail concerning the HEIF file format.

Just like the HEIF file format is, Windows 10 doesn't natively support files with HEIC file extension. Due to that, you cannot open the HEIC files with the default Photos app. Actually, you'll just begin to see the blank file icon for HEIC files instead of its preview in the File Explorer.

Follow the steps shown below to set up the HEIF extension and enable HEIC file compatibility in Windows 10.

How do you Open HEIC Photos in Windows 10

You have to install the HEIF codec to spread out the HEIC files and photos in the Windows 10 Photos app. Microsoft provides an official extension called HEIF Images Extension to spread out the HEIC files. Stick to the steps shown below to install it.

Gto the HEIF Images Extension page.
Click on the "Get" button.
In the shop app, click on the "Get" or "Install" button. This will install the extension.
Close the shop app.
Reboot Windows.

After rebooting, you ought to be able to open HEIC format photos within the Photos app. The File Explorer will also show the thumbnail preview of all HEIC format photos and images.

Using CopyTrans - Alternative Method

CopyTrans is really a free lightweight application that lets you preview, open and view HEIC files in Windows 10. If you are facing problems with the state Microsoft HEIF extension, do this method. It will focus on all systems including Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

To use CopyTrans to open HEIC files, follow the steps listed below.

Download CopyTrans.
Install the downloaded application in Windows 10.
After installing, reboot Windows 10.
Find the HEIC photo or image and double-click on it.

Once you double-click the image should be opened in the Windows Photo Viewer. Actually, it's also wise to have the ability to see the HEIC file preview in File Explorer and on the desktop.

If the file did not open on double-click, right-click on the HEIC file and choose the "Open with ?¨² Windows Photo Viewer" option.

If you're wondering, yes the HEIC file will be opened in the old Windows Photo Viewer as opposed to the new Windows 10 Photos app. That is due to the fact from the limitations and compatibility issues with the brand new Photos app.