If you recently transferred photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC and found that they end in .HEIC instead of .JPG, you've likely realized that Windows 10 and 11 cannot open these files natively. HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default image format, designed to save space, but it is notoriously incompatible with Microsoft systems.
Fortunately, you don't need to buy expensive software or upload your private photos to sketchy online converters. Here are the three best ways to perfectly convert HEIC to JPG.
Method 1: Use the Built-in Windows Photos App (Free Extension)
Microsoft actually has an official extension to read HEIC files, but it is deeply hidden in the Microsoft Store.
- Find an `.heic` file on your computer, right-click it, and select Open With > Photos.
- A prompt will appear stating: "The HEIF Image Extension is required to display this file."
- Click the link to be taken to the Microsoft Store.
- Download the free HEIF Image Extensions app provided by Microsoft Corporation.
- Once installed, open the photo in the Photos app again. Click File > Save As, and change the dropdown format from HEIC to JPG.
Method 2: Automatic iPhone Conversion (The Preventative Fix)
If you don't want to convert files manually every time you plug your phone into your PC, you can force your iPhone to automatically convert them during the transfer process.
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Photos.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom to the section titled Transfer to Mac or PC.
- Change the setting from "Keep Originals" to "Automatic".
Now, whenever you plug your iPhone into your Windows PC via USB, iOS will automatically convert the HEIC files to JPGs as they are being copied over!
Method 3: Turn Off HEIC Entirely (Shoot in JPG)
If you primarily use a Windows PC and are tired of HEIC compatibility issues, you can tell your iPhone camera to stop shooting in HEIC entirely.
- Go to your iPhone Settings.
- Tap on Camera, then Formats.
- Change the Camera Capture format from "High Efficiency" to "Most Compatible".
From now on, every photo you take will be saved as a universal, standard JPG.
Conclusion
Converting HEIC photos doesn't require third-party tools or paid software. By tweaking your iPhone settings or utilizing Microsoft's native extensions, you can resolve cross-platform formatting issues instantly. For more image conversion and troubleshooting tips, explore our full toolkit here.