Good news: In Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, you can open .HEIC photos with Microsoft Photos just by double-clicking them. Therefore, the easiest way to open HEIC files in Windows 11 is to upgrade to version 22H2 or later.

If you are using an earlier version of Windows 11, or you are using Windows 10, you must install both of the following packages from the Microsoft store to open HEIC files:

• HEIF Image Extensions
• HEVC Video Extensions

Microsoft charges a small fee for the HEVC Video Extensions package. After you install both packages, you can open HEIC images with Microsoft Photos.