Some people might expect you to pay a $1 royalty fee just to view pictures on your Windows PC, but I disagree with that approach. Instead, you can bypass this by downloading and manually installing this extension app.

Simply add the Microsoft.HEVCVideoExtension; if you're on an updated Windows 10 or 11, you probably already have what you need to view .webp, .heic, heif, and other non-jpg, non-png, non-mp4 formats.

• https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n4wgh0z6vhq?hl=en-us&gl=US (hidden if you try to search)
• https://mega.nz/folder/wtMiSArS#1ILTxDLKFcMuk-G2f2hGFg

It was once offered for free

…on the Windows Store, but after some extensive searching and investigation, it seems the Windows developers have blocked this free access, going to lengths to ensure users can't obtain it without cost. I suppose they had their reasons for prioritizing this over further improving the operating system.

If you find dealing with HEIC files inconvenient, you can also configure your iPhone to take photos in the more compatible JPEG format by default. However, HEIC offers higher image quality in smaller file sizes. It's a more modern image format, and I recommend sticking with it if the applications you use support it.