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How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Why Windows Can't Open HEIC Files

If you've ever transferred photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC, you've likely run into a frustrating problem: Windows doesn't know what to do with .heic files. Double-clicking them in File Explorer produces an error or opens the Microsoft Store, prompting you to install a codec. This happens because HEIC is Apple's default photo format, and Windows does not include native support for it out of the box.

The root cause is licensing. HEIC relies on the HEVC (H.265) video codec for its compression, and the patent holders charge licensing fees. Microsoft chose not to bundle the codec for free, leaving Windows users to fend for themselves.

The Microsoft HEIF Extension (And Why It's Not Ideal)

Microsoft does offer a solution through the Microsoft Store: the HEIF Image Extensions package, which is free, and the HEVC Video Extensions package, which typically costs around $0.99 USD. You need both installed to view HEIC files in the Windows Photos app.

While this works, there are downsides:

  • It costs money for the HEVC codec, even if the amount is small.
  • It only lets you view HEIC files in the Photos app. Many other programs, websites, and email clients still won't recognize the format.
  • You still can't upload HEIC files to most websites, social media platforms, or online forms that expect JPG or PNG.

If you need your photos in a universally compatible format, viewing alone isn't enough. You need to convert them.

The Easiest Way: Convert HEIC to JPG in Your Browser

The fastest and most hassle-free solution is to use a browser-based converter. Our free HEIC to JPG converter works directly in your web browser on any Windows PC. There's nothing to install, no accounts to create, and no file size limits to worry about.

Best of all, the conversion happens entirely on your computer. Your photos are never uploaded to a server, so your privacy is fully protected.

Step-by-Step: Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Here's how to convert your files in just a few clicks:

  1. Open the converter by visiting our HEIC2PIC tool in any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or others).
  2. Add your files by dragging and dropping your .heic files onto the converter area, or click the upload button to browse for files on your PC.
  3. Choose your output format. Select JPG for maximum compatibility, or pick PNG or WebP if you prefer.
  4. Adjust quality if needed. The default setting works well for most use cases.
  5. Download your converted files. Each photo is converted instantly and ready to save.

The entire process takes just seconds, even for large photos.

Convert Multiple HEIC Files at Once

Transferred a whole vacation album from your iPhone? No problem. Our converter supports batch conversion, so you can drag and drop dozens of HEIC files at once and convert them all in one go. You can also download all converted images as a single ZIP file, making it easy to organize and store them.

This is significantly faster than converting files one at a time with desktop software or using the Microsoft codec to manually re-save each photo.

Other Methods to Convert HEIC on Windows

If you prefer desktop software, here are some alternatives:

  • Paint (Windows 11): Recent versions of Windows 11 Paint can open HEIC files (if the codec is installed) and let you "Save As" JPG.
  • GIMP: The free image editor can open HEIC files with a plugin and export to JPG.
  • IrfanView: A lightweight image viewer that supports HEIC with the right plugin and can batch-convert files.

However, each of these requires installation, configuration, or paid codecs. For a quick, no-setup solution, a browser-based converter remains the simplest option.

Final Thoughts

Windows' lack of built-in HEIC support is an ongoing frustration for anyone who uses an iPhone alongside a Windows PC. Rather than paying for codecs or installing extra software, you can convert HEIC to JPG instantly and for free using our online tool. Try our free HEIC2PIC and get your photos into a format that works everywhere.

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