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You need an extension to use this file Photos app Video Editor error on Windows 11/10

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When you want to view videos or photos on your Windows 11/10 computer using the inbuilt Photos app Video editor and you receive the error message- You need an extension to use this file, then this post is intended to help you. In this post, we will present the options available to you so that you can try to successfully remediate this issue.

You need extension to use file

Let’s take a look at a typical scenario where you can encounter this issue.

If you have an iOS or Android device, you might want to use photos and videos you take with that device with the Photos app on your PC or Surface. Most of the time it’s not a problem. But if the photos and videos you want to use are HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File) or HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Codec) files, you might see a message in the Photos app Video Editor that says You need an extension to use this file.

You need an extension to use this file Photos app Video Editor error

If you’re faced with this You need an extension to use this file error, you can try the recommended solutions below in no particular order to effectively resolve the issue.

  1. Get the HEIF and HEVC Extensions from the Microsoft Store
  2. Automatically convert your files by reimporting them or emailing them to yourself
  3. Use OneDrive to automatically convert your photo files

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Get the HEIF and HEVC Extensions from the Microsoft Store

This solution requires you to get both the HEIF Image and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store and install them on your PC (as long as your PC meets the system requirements). You’ll need both, even if you only plan on using photos and not videos.

HEVC Video Extensions

After they’re installed, restart the Photos app. Now you’ll be able to use your files in the Photos Video Editor without the You need an extension to use this file issue.

Read: How to view HEIC and HEVC files on the Windows Photos app.

2] Automatically convert your files by reimporting them or emailing them to yourself

Importing files from phone to PC

Many devices will automatically convert HEIC photos and HEVC videos to a more common format when transferring or emailing files. In this case, try plugging your iPhone or Android into your PC and moving the files over. Or just email the files to yourself from your phone and save them on your PC. Then try adding the files to your video project. Here’s how

  • Open your video project in the Photos app.
  • Select Add > From this PC.
  • Browse the files and select them.

If that doesn’t work, follow Solution 1 (get the extensions for the Photos app) or try Solution 3 for your photo files.

Read: How to play HEVC-coded videos on Windows 11

3] Use OneDrive to automatically convert your photo files

This solution entails that you Upload HEIF and HEVC photos and videos to OneDrive.

To preserve the image quality of original photos and to save storage space, starting in September 2019, OneDrive on iOS will upload High-Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) photos in their original format, instead of uploading them as JPG to OneDrive.

HEIF and High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) are the default file formats for photos and videos on most Apple devices running iOS 11 or later. Most Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads can open these files. You can also view these files on the OneDrive website.

Suppose you want to continue working with non-HEIF photo and video formats. In that case, you can update a setting on your Apple device camera to capture photos and videos in other formats.

Here’s how:

  • On your iOS device, open Settings, then tap Camera > Format.
  • Under Camera Capture, tap Most Compatible.

To make sure it works, add your files to your video project by selecting Add > From this PC and browsing the files.

I hope this helps!

How do I fix the Windows Photos app not working?

If the Photos app is not working, missing, or keeps crashing on your Windows 11/10 computer, you can try some fixes to resolve this issue. You can run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter is not available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. Other things that you can try are repairing or resetting the Photos app, clearing the Microsoft Store cache, re-registering the Photos app, etc.

How do I enable the Photos app in Windows?

You do not need to enable the Photos app in Windows 11/10. It comes pre-installed on Windows 11/10. Click on Windows Search and type Photos. Now, select the Photos app from the Search Results. If you do not find the Photos app in the Search Results, it might not be installed on your system. You can install the Photos app from Microsoft Store. In the Microsoft Store, search for Microsoft Photos to install the Photos app.

Read next: How to add GIFs to a video on Windows PC.

Obinna@TWC

Obinna has completed B.Tech in Information & Communication Technology. He has worked as a System Support Engineer, primarily on User Endpoint Administration, as well as a Technical Analyst, primarily on Server/System Administration. He also has experience as a Network and Communications Officer. He has been a Windows Insider MVP (2020) and currently owns and runs a Computer Clinic.