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How to Fix HEVC Photos Not Opening After iPhone Transfer
Question details
The user is unable to open HEVC or HEIF media files transferred from an iPhone to a Windows PC, and is experiencing billing or region errors when attempting to purchase the required codec from the Microsoft Store.
- Product
- Windows / Microsoft Store
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Transferring photos and videos from an iPhone to a Windows computer and attempting to view them.
- Observed behavior
- The media files fail to open due to missing HEVC codecs. Additionally, the Microsoft Store displays the wrong currency, preventing the purchase of the official extension.
Verify that your transferred files are not corrupted by checking their file sizes, and ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated before installing new extensions.
Install the Official HEVC Video Extension and Resolve Store Errors
Download the official Microsoft codec to natively support HEVC and HEIF files, and adjust your region settings if billing issues block the purchase.
Windows requires an official extension to decode Apple's high-efficiency media formats. If you encounter currency errors during purchase, it usually indicates a mismatch in your account's regional settings.
Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC and type 'HEVC Video Extensions' into the search bar.
If the store displays the wrong currency, click the Start menu, go to Settings > Time & Language > Region, and ensure your 'Country or region' matches your actual location.
Return to the Microsoft Store, click the price button to purchase the extension, and wait for the installation to complete.
If the region is correct but the currency error persists, you must contact Microsoft Support directly and ask them to verify your account and regional billing information.
Install a Free Third-Party Codec Pack
If you cannot resolve the Microsoft Store billing error, a reputable free third-party codec pack can provide the necessary file support for Windows.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my iPhone photos use the HEVC or HEIF format?
Apple uses HEIF for photos and HEVC for videos by default to save internal storage space while maintaining high image quality. Windows requires specific extensions to decode these highly compressed formats natively.
Can I convert HEVC photos to JPEG on my iPhone before transferring?
Yes. On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Photos, scroll down to the 'Transfer to Mac or PC' section, and select 'Automatic'. This will convert the files to a universally compatible format like JPEG automatically during the USB transfer.
How do I fix the Microsoft Store showing the wrong currency?
The displayed currency is determined by your region settings. Ensure your Windows system region (Settings > Time & Language > Region) matches your physical location and Microsoft account billing profile. If they match but the error remains, contacting Microsoft Support is necessary to reset your billing region.
