How do you handle HEIC/HEIF photos from iPhones on Windows 11 in enterprise environments?
Hello,
We’re running Windows 11 on our endpoints and are currently rolling out iPhones.
By default, iPhones take photos in the HEIF/HEIC format unless the camera settings are changed. The problem is that Windows 11 cannot open these files out of the box.
As far as I understand, the following Microsoft Store components are required:
- HEIF Image Extensions https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pmmsr1cgpwg?hl=de-DE&gl=DE
- HEVC Video Extensions https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nmzlz57r3t7?hl=de-DE&gl=DE
The second extension costs €0.99 per user/device.
I’m aware that the AppxBundle files can be found on various websites, but from a licensing and compliance perspective that does not seem like a clean enterprise solution.
How are other companies handling this?
We surely can’t be the only organization with Windows endpoints and iPhones where users need to open HEIC/HEIF photos. Since the Microsoft Store for Business has been retired, I’m wondering what the recommended or practical enterprise approach is now.
Are you:
- changing iPhone camera settings to “Most Compatible”?
- deploying codecs/extensions via Intune somehow?
- using third-party image viewers/converters?
- purchasing the HEVC extension for users/devices?
- handling this through another process entirely?
I’d be interested in hearing how others solve this in a compliant and manageable way.