How to Open HEIC Photos on Windows (and Convert Them to JPG)
Open HEIC to JPGFree · works in your browser · no upload→Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos as HEIC by default. The format keeps the same quality at roughly half the size of JPG, which is great on the phone, but Windows PCs, older Android phones, many websites and upload forms can't open it. Here's how to deal with it.
Option 1: Convert HEIC to JPG in your browser
- Open HEIC to JPG on your PC or phone.
- Add one or many .heic files.
- Choose JPG (or PNG) and press Convert. Several photos download together as a ZIP.
The conversion happens on your own computer, so your photos are never uploaded. JPG works everywhere: Windows, Android, WhatsApp, email and online forms.
Option 2: Install Microsoft's free extensions
Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files in the Photos app after you install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some PCs also need HEVC Video Extensions, which may cost a small fee. This lets you view the photos, but websites and other apps still won't accept them, so converting is often simpler.
Option 3: Make the iPhone send JPG instead
- New photos: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. The camera then saves JPG.
- When copying to a PC by cable: Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic. The iPhone converts photos to JPG as they're copied.
- When sharing: photos sent through WhatsApp, Mail and most apps are converted to JPG automatically.
HEIC vs JPG at a glance
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | About half | Larger |
| Opens on Windows | Only with extensions | Yes |
| Accepted by upload forms | Rarely | Almost always |
| Best for | Storing photos on the iPhone | Sharing and uploading |
Need it smaller too?
If a form needs the photo under a size limit, use Resize image instead: it accepts HEIC directly and outputs a JPG at 20 KB, 50 KB or any size you choose.
Try HEIC to JPG nowiPhone photos, free and private→