How to view HEIF files with the Photos app on Windows 10

High-efficiency image formats (HEIFs) are a new type of container for images which are more efficient when it comes to storage. For consumers, they became widespread with the release of iOS 11 last year as it became the default file format for iPhone photos by way of Apple’s HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container).

While Microsoft worked around this by converting HEIFs like HEIC to the JPEG file format if uploaded via the OneDrive app, the Windows Photos app still had no way to view HEIF files by itself.

Now, with an upcoming update to the Photos app, Microsoft will let you view HEIF file formats with little user interaction.

Should you simply have HEIF files in your gallery, the firm will pop-up a banner alerting you to download its new HEIF extension from the Microsoft Store,

Should the pop up not trigger for some reason, you can download it manually by yourself from this link.

[appbox windowsstore 9pmmsr1cgpwg]

Once installed, you should now be able to view and edit HEIF files on your Windows 10 PC or convert HEIF to JPEG.