Transferred photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC and found files ending in .HEIC that won’t open? You are not alone. Apple has saved photos in HEIC format by default since iOS 11, but many Windows apps, websites and printers still can’t read it.
In this guide you will learn what HEIC is and three free ways to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10 and Windows 11 — including the fastest method, which needs no software at all.
In this guide
- What is a HEIC file?
- Method 1: Convert HEIC to JPG online (fastest, no install)
- Method 2: Use the Photos app with HEIF extensions
- Method 3: Stop your iPhone saving HEIC photos
- Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple’s version of the HEIF image format. It stores photos at roughly half the size of a JPG with the same visual quality, which saves a lot of storage on your iPhone.
The downside is compatibility. JPG works everywhere, while HEIC support on Windows depends on extra codecs, and many upload forms (government portals, job sites, online shops) simply reject HEIC files.
Method 1: Convert HEIC to JPG online (fastest, no install)
- Open our free HEIC to JPG converter.
- Click to upload your HEIC photo or drag it into the box.
- Wait a few seconds while it converts.
- Download the JPG file.
This works on any Windows version, in any browser, and you don’t need administrator rights to install anything. It is ideal when you need to send a few photos quickly.
Method 2: Use the Photos app with HEIF extensions
Windows can open HEIC files after you install the HEIF Image Extensions (and, for some files, the HEVC Video Extensions) from the Microsoft Store. After that:
- Open the HEIC photo in the Photos app.
- Click the three-dot menu and choose Save as.
- Select JPG as the file type and save.
This is handy if you regularly receive HEIC files, but it converts one photo at a time.
Method 3: Stop your iPhone saving HEIC photos
If you would rather avoid HEIC completely, change the camera format on your iPhone:
- Open Settings → Camera → Formats.
- Choose Most Compatible.
New photos will be saved as JPG. Alternatively, go to Settings → Photos and set Transfer to Mac or PC to Automatic, so photos are converted when you copy them by cable.
Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
JPG uses compression, so files become slightly larger and there can be a tiny loss of detail, but at normal quality settings the difference is not visible to the eye. Keep the original HEIC files as a backup if image quality is critical.
Want smaller files after converting? Run the JPG through our Image Optimizer before uploading it to a website or email.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t Windows open HEIC files?
Windows needs extra codecs to read HEIC. Without the HEIF and HEVC extensions, the Photos app shows an error.
Is HEIC better than JPG?
HEIC is more efficient (smaller files at the same quality), but JPG is far more compatible. Use JPG when sharing or uploading.
Can I convert HEIC to PNG instead?
Yes. Use our HEIC to PNG converter if you need lossless quality or transparency.
