If you've ever transferred photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC and been greeted with files you can't open, you're not alone. Apple's HEIC format — the default since iOS 11 — isn't natively supported on Windows. Here's how to fix that quickly and for free.

Method 1: Use HEIC Help (Fastest — No Download)

The quickest way to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows is using our free browser-based converter:

  1. Go to heichelp.com/heic-to-jpg
  2. Drag and drop your HEIC files onto the upload area
  3. Adjust quality (90% recommended) and click Convert to JPG
  4. Your JPG files download automatically

This works entirely in your browser — your photos never leave your computer. You can convert multiple files at once with no watermarks or file size limits.

Method 2: Install the HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft

Microsoft offers a paid codec (£0.79 in the UK, $0.99 in the US) that adds native HEIC support to Windows Photos. Once installed, you can open and view HEIC files without converting them.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC
  2. Search for "HEVC Video Extensions"
  3. Purchase and install the codec
  4. HEIC files will now open in Windows Photos

Note: This allows you to view HEIC files in Windows Photos, but doesn't automatically convert them to JPG for sharing with other apps.

Method 3: Change iPhone Settings to Shoot in JPG

If you'd rather stop the problem at the source, you can configure your iPhone to capture photos in JPG format instead of HEIC:

  1. Open the iPhone Settings app
  2. Scroll down and tap Camera
  3. Tap Formats
  4. Select Most Compatible (this shoots in JPEG)

The downside is that JPG files are roughly twice as large as HEIC files, so you'll fill up your storage faster.

Method 4: AirDrop to Mac and Export as JPG

If you have access to a Mac, you can AirDrop your HEIC photos to the Mac and then export them as JPG before transferring to Windows. Preview on macOS can export images in JPG format via File → Export.

Which Method is Best?

For most people, Method 1 (HEIC Help) is the best option — it's free, instant, works without installing anything, and handles batch conversion effortlessly. Use Method 3 if you consistently share photos between iPhone and Windows and want a permanent solution.

Summary

  • Use HEIC Help's free converter for instant, no-fuss conversion
  • Buy the HEVC codec from Microsoft Store for native Windows viewing
  • Change iPhone format to "Most Compatible" to shoot in JPG
  • Use a Mac as an intermediary for occasional conversions