You transfer photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC and find files with a .heic extension that nothing will open. Windows Photo Viewer shows an error. File Explorer shows a grey icon. This is one of the most frustrating tech problems iPhone users on Windows face — and the fix takes about 30 seconds.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11 (2017). It produces images roughly 50% smaller than JPEG with equal or better quality. The problem: it's an Apple-developed format that Windows doesn't support natively without additional software.
Option 1: Convert HEIC to JPG in your browser (fastest, free)
The quickest solution requires no installation:
Go to the HEIC to JPG converter
Open imagezen4u.com/heic-to-jpg/ in your browser. No account, no download.
Drop your HEIC files
Drag one or multiple .heic files into the upload zone. Batch conversion supported — all files process and download as a ZIP.
Download your JPG files
Click Convert. Your JPG files download in seconds, ready to open in any program on Windows.
This uses the heic2any JavaScript library — the conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your photos never leave your device.
Option 2: Microsoft HEIC codec (free from Microsoft Store)
Microsoft offers a free "HEIF Image Extensions" codec in the Microsoft Store that adds native HEIC support to Windows. Search for "HEIF Image Extensions" in the Microsoft Store and install it. After installation, Windows Photos and File Explorer can open HEIC files directly without any conversion.
This is better if you regularly receive HEIC files — you won't need to convert them manually each time.
Option 3: Change your iPhone to shoot JPEGs directly
If you never want to deal with HEIC again, you can change your iPhone to capture photos in JPEG format instead:
- Go to Settings → Camera → Formats
- Choose Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency
Your iPhone will now save photos as JPEG files that open everywhere. The downside is slightly larger file sizes.
Why not just use iCloud Photos?
When you download photos from iCloud.com to Windows, Apple automatically converts HEIC to JPEG for compatibility. This is convenient but requires an internet connection and iCloud account. For a local transfer via USB cable, you'll still get HEIC files unless you change the iPhone setting above.
Convert your HEIC files to JPG right now
Batch convert, instant download, completely private.
Open HEIC to JPG Converter →