How to add HEIC file extension to default media player like VLC

Kevin Walker 0 Reputation points
2026-10-16T11:12:07.61+00:00

I have video files that are type "HEIC File" that I cannot play on my Windows computer. I dowloaded VLC but it's still not playing them. I went into default app settings but do not see this extension (neither HEVC or HEIC).

Windows for home | Other | Apps
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-16T11:12:22.34+00:00

    HEIC/HEIF files are not added to Windows playback support by changing the default app list alone. Windows may need the required codec extensions installed first.

    Try this:

    1. Install the required extensions from Microsoft Store:
      • HEIF Image Extensions
      • HEVC Video Extensions
    2. After installation, restart the app that is opening the file.
    3. If the file still does not appear in Settings > Apps > Default apps, set it manually from File Explorer:
      • Right-click the file
      • Select Open with > Choose another app
      • Select VLC if it appears, or Choose an app on your PC
      • Turn on Always use this app for that file type
    4. If the file is actually a photo or video from a phone, it may have been saved in HEIF/HEVC format. Another supported option is to convert it during transfer:
      • Reimport the files from the phone, or email them to the PC
      • Some devices automatically convert to a more common format during transfer
    5. If the files are stored in OneDrive, they can be viewed on the OneDrive website in a browser. On Windows, downloaded HEIF/HEVC files may still require a codec to open locally.

    Also note:

    • HEIC is typically associated with HEIF images.
    • Windows Media Player includes some common codecs by default, but not every format.
    • If a codec was installed but playback still fails, a 64-bit Windows PC may require a 64-bit codec.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ivan B 125.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-16T11:51:35.0633333+00:00

    Hi,

    In addition to the steps provided via Q&A Assist, if those do not work, you can also install the K-Lite Codec Pack, which includes Media Player Classic and provides support for HEVC.

    https://www.codecguide.com/download_kl.htm

    I recommend the "Standard" version.

    For HEIC files, you can install a free extension:

    https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pmmsr1cgpwg?hl=en-US&gl=US

    Please note that the HEVC extension is a paid product. If you only need to open HEIC files, installing the extension mentioned above is sufficient.

    https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nmzlz57r3t7?hl=en-US&gl=US

    Regarding HEIC image files—which use the HEIF extension—you can open them using the Photos app once you have installed the necessary extension from the Microsoft Store.

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Product). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Please consider rating this response (by accepting the answer or otherwise) and visiting the Microsoft Q&A community if you have any further questions.

    Thanks

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  3. Horace Wiggins 535 Reputation points
    2026-10-16T12:00:09.5166667+00:00

    I hope this will help you. What Operating System are you using? How did you record/create the video?

    https://fileinfo.com/extension/heic

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