Our Windows computer supports multiple multimedia formats, both for watching videos and playing audio, but it lacks native support for the new HEIC / HEIF and HEVC / H.265 compression formats. In this way, if we try to open a file with these extensions it will ask us to install a codec that is paid. To solve it, today we are going to see what we can do to open these types of files for free in Windows 10 and enjoy all the content we have with these types of formats.
What are HEVC / H.265 and HEIC / HEIF files
HEVC / H.265 files
The HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) extension also known as H.265 , is a high-efficiency video encoding format that was released in 2014 as a substitute for H.264 and that provides better video quality with the same data rate . That is why, we can talk about that it is the most advanced video compression standard so far, offering higher encoding with better quality than its predecessor. This new standard achieves resolutions from 8K to 300 pfs and allows to reduce in half, the space occupied by the content, as well as a lower bandwidth.
The new HEVC format improves the segmentation algorithms compared to H2.64, so that it not only compares two frames at once, but also allows it to be reused for more frames. In addition, it also improves movement tracking so that you can take advantage of more information, although it is not in the same screen area.
HEIC / HEIF files
Files with HEIC / HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) extensions are a new high-quality image format that was designed by Apple in 2017. With their arrival they intend to replace the JPG / JPEG format of iPhone. This lossless compression format is based on HEVC, developed by MPEG and stands out for offering great image quality and a much smaller space than JPG. In this way, it has become one of the universal substitutes for JPG, given its ability to provide higher image quality, taking up half the space. There are even programs that allow us to go from HEIC to JPG .
HEIF files are compliant with ISOBMFF, ISO / IEC 14496-12 and allow you to store other types of data , such as GIF animations, audio, text, or Live-Photos. Another great advantage of this format is its support for transparencies and the inclusion of 16-bit colors . In contrast, the JPG format only supports 8 bits. This format has been gaining popularity since then and more and more applications are supporting it. Still, it still has many compatibility issues because it is heavily protected by patents.
So we can open HEIC and HEVC files in Windows 10
If we want to easily open HEIC and HEVC files on our Windows 10 computer, we must install two extensions . These extensions are available for free in the Windows Microsoft Store app store.
HEVC / H.265 video file extension
In order to play high-efficiency HEVC videos in Windows 10 it is necessary to install its corresponding codec from the Microsoft Store. This extension is adapted to get the most out of the most modern hardware, so that they allow you to stream content in Ultra HD and 4K. It will also allow us to get the most out of the new Intel Core processors and GPUs. Furthermore, this extension offers the possibility of encoding HEVC content in devices that do not have any video encoder based on this hardware.
HEIC / HEIF video file extension
If we want to open HEIC files, we must add a codec that offers such compatibility, which by default is not supported by Windows 10. This extension allows full compatibility with this format, so we can open all types of files with a compatible visualization application. It also includes Photos, the application that is installed by default in Windows 10. In this way we will be able to open image files with a .heic or .heif extension.
Images stored in HEIF format have been compressed using HEVC format. Therefore, it is necessary that we also have the HEVC extension package installed for its correct visualization. Otherwise, the HEIF image extension cannot be viewed or processed.