Playing HEIC videos on Windows 10 might seem like a headache at first, but honestly, it’s more straightforward than you’d think—if you know the right steps. The main issue is that Windows 10 doesn’t natively support HEIC or HEVC video files, which can leave you staring at a blank screen or error messages when trying to open these files with your regular media apps. The trick is to get the right codec installed, so your system can understand what to do with these high-efficiency video files. Once set up, you’ll be able to open and enjoy HEIC videos pretty much like any other format, saving you from converting everything or resorting to third-party video players every time.
How to Play HEIC Video on Windows 10
Getting HEIC videos to play on Windows 10 boils down to installing the proper codec. It’s kind of weird, but Windows doesn’t include support for these files out of the box, probably because licensing costs and all. The main thing is to grab the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, which acts like a translator for your files. Here’s what to do, step-by-step, and trust me, it’s not rocket science. On one setup it worked right away, on another… not so much, but mostly it’s a quick fix.
Open the Microsoft Store
- Click on your Start menu, then click on Microsoft Store.
- This is basically your app hub for Windows, where you grab updates, codecs, and other handy stuff.
- If you can’t find it easily, just search “Microsoft Store” in the search bar.
Once it’s open, you’re already halfway there. Windows doesn’t come with HEVC support pre-installed because, well, of course, Windows has to complicate things. But, the Store has a dedicated extension that does the job.
Search for “HEVC Video Extensions”
- In the Store’s search bar, type “HEVC Video Extensions”.
- Usually, it’s the “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer” or sometimes just “HEVC Video Extensions”.
- Be aware: This extension isn’t free—it’s a couple of bucks, but honestly, it’s worth it for hassle-free playback.
If you see something like “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, ” just select it. Sometimes, the free versions are a bit buggy or not available in all regions, so a small payment helps keep things smooth.
Buy and Install the Codec
- Click the Buy button, then complete the purchase (using your Microsoft account).
- After purchasing, hit Install.
- This might take a few moments, but once installed, your Windows is ready to decode HEIC videos.
On some machines, this process might not start immediately or give you errors—rebooting afterward seems to help. Also, sometimes the extension needs a Windows update, so make sure your system is current.
Test a HEIC Video File
- Find a HEIC video file (if you don’t have one, just save a test video from your phone or download one from the web).
- Try opening it with your default video player—like Movies & TV or VLC if you’ve installed that already.
- If everything works, the video plays without hassle; if not, double-check that the codec installed correctly—sometimes, re-installing or rebooting helps.
In practice, this method is usually reliable. Still, a bit of patience is needed if Windows throws errors first time. Sometimes, the codec takes a bit longer to activate, or Windows needs a restart after the installation.
Enjoy Your Videos!
- Now that everything’s set, opening HEIC videos becomes just like opening any other file.
- You can drag and drop into your favorite media player, or open directly from File Explorer.
- And yes, this setup also makes your Windows recognize HEIC images, so if you save images in that format, you can view those too.
If you want to avoid Codec fuss altogether, consider installing VLC Media Player, which supports HEIC/HEVC files natively and is totally free. But for seamless system-wide support, the Microsoft Store way is still the best.
Tips for Playing HEIC Video on Windows 10
- Use VLC Media Player if you want a quick, free, no-codec-needed solution.
- Make sure your Windows is fully updated—sometimes, missing updates can mess with codec installations.
- Update your media players regularly to keep compatibility sharp.
- When downloading codecs, only stick to the Microsoft Store or trusted sources—avoid sketchy third-party sites.
- Remember: HEIC format is mostly for high-res images. If your videos are HEIC-based, you’re probably in that rare niche, but it works the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the HEIC format?
It’s a high-efficiency image container used mostly by Apple devices that packs photos and videos in smaller sizes without losing quality. It’s trendy now but not always compatible with Windows without some help.
Why doesn’t Windows 10 support HEIC videos by default?
Because licensing costs and the fact that Microsoft prefers users pay for codecs through the Store. Also, they want to keep Windows lean without pre-bundling every codec.
Is there a free way to play HEIC videos?
Sure, VLC Media Player supports HEIC files out of the box. No fuss, no extra codecs needed. Just download and use.
Are the HEVC Video Extensions safe to install from the Store?
Yes, absolutely. The extensions are from Microsoft and approved sources. Just avoid third-party sites—it’s the safest way.
Do I have to reinstall codecs each time I want to watch videos?
Nope. Once you install the extension, it’s good for all HEIC files on your system. Just reboot if things don’t work right away.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Store
- Search for “HEVC Video Extensions”
- Buy and install the codec
- Test a HEIC video
- Enjoy watching your HEIC videos without drama
Wrap-up
Getting your Windows 10 machine to play HEIC videos isn’t totally impossible. It’s a matter of installing the right codecs and maybe rebooting once or twice. That being said, this method is pretty much foolproof—afterward, you should be able to open your high-efficiency videos without a fuss. Just keep in mind that if you’re dealing with a batch of files or trying to do this on multiple machines, it might be worth looking into a media player like VLC that handles all that stuff natively. Fingers crossed, this saves someone a few hours of googling and frustration. Good luck, and enjoy your videos!