HEIF Image Extensions - How to Download and View HEIF Image Extensions HEIF Image Extensions are an excellent choice for lossless compression. These files are easily opened in Microsoft Paint or Photos, or by using compatible apps. HEVC video extensions are also available. You can learn more about the format below. After downloading the file, open it in any compatible app to view it. Here are a few of the most common programs that work with this type of file. Read on to find out more. HEIC and HEVC files are incompatible with Windows 10. Luckily, there are several ways to open HEIC and HEVC files. Both of these file formats can be opened in Windows 10's default photo apps. HEVC files are also supported by Windows Media Player and H.265-compatible applications. You can download HEIC and HEVC-compatible applications from the Microsoft Store. Fortunately, they're both free! HEIF files are compatible with all major image codecs. The HEIC format stores individual images, their properties, and thumbnails. HEVC-compatible devices can read and write HEIF file extensions. The HEIF file format is used for video files as well. HEIF files are also widely used by photographers. Compared to JPEG files, HEIC photos take up only 50% of the storage space. HEIC files require a codec to view. Although free, these codecs cost $0.99 depending on your location. HEIC is free for home consumers but costs $0.99 for businesses. HEIC files can't be opened with the default Photos app. Therefore, you should make Windows Photo Viewer your default app for HEIC files. If you don't use Windows Photo Viewer, it won't work either.