HEIC files
Tried to open a picture I took off my iPhone (obviously I have it set to .heic for higher quality recording), and wouldn't you know, Windows wants me to install a plugin for $0.99. Wtf?
So, here's how I got past Microsoft's debauchery:
- First, I went to store.rg-adguard.net
- Second, I found the ProductID online to input into the link template (the link you would need to copy into the search bar on the aforementioned website is https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/heifbilderweiterungen/9n4wgh0z6vhq) (with 9n4wgh0z6vhq being the ProductID)
- I'm just a normal person, so I have no idea what the first listed file is (the 10KB " Microsoft.HEVCVideoExtension_2.1.861.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.BlockMap" file)
- So, I downloaded the ".appxbundle" file as I've done before with this website
- And, after opening my .heic file again, voila! it worked perfectly fine, opens as any other image would
This is a one-time process.
If you for some reason hate convenience, there are plenty of free online converters, or you can just rename the .heic to .jpg (though I'm not sure if this is has any negative side effects for the picture).
Hope this helps anyone trying to solve (what should, in a perfect world) be a non-issue. :)
Q: How to load HEIC files in IrfanView? A: You must install the HEVC extension/codec. 1) If you have Windows 10/11, you can install it from Microsoft Store: You need to install 2 (!!) extensions from Microsoft Store: HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer AND HEIF Image Extensions. or 2) Download and install the HEIC Codec, version 1.0.1 and later (Freeware, for Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11). HEIC Codec or 3) Search on internet for the "CopyTrans HEIC" Windows codec and install it (Free for personal use, for Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11). CopyTrans HEIC Codec