How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
Transferred photos from your iPhone to your Windows PC and can't open them? You're dealing with HEIC files — Apple's default photo format that Windows doesn't fully support out of the box. The good news: converting HEIC to JPG on Windows is easy, and there are several free methods to choose from.
This guide covers four methods, ranked from easiest to most involved. Whether you need to convert a single photo or hundreds, there's an option here for you.
Method 1: Use HEICtoJPG Converter (Fastest and Easiest)
The quickest way to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows is to use our free online converter. It works in any browser, requires no installation, and processes files entirely on your device.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open your browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or any modern browser on your Windows PC.
- Go to heictojpgconverter.com
- Drag and drop your HEIC files onto the upload area, or click "Browse files" to select them from File Explorer.
- Adjust quality (optional) — The default is 92%, which produces excellent quality. Lower it for smaller files, or set it to 100% for maximum quality.
- Download your JPGs — Click the download button next to each file, or use "Download All" to get everything as a ZIP archive.
Why This Method is Best
- No software to install or update
- Files never leave your computer (all processing happens in your browser)
- Batch conversion — convert dozens of files at once
- Adjustable quality slider
- Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11
- Completely free with no limits
Method 2: Windows Photos App
If you have the HEIF codec installed, the built-in Windows Photos app can open HEIC files and save them as JPG.
Prerequisites
You need to install two extensions from the Microsoft Store:
- HEIF Image Extensions (free) — Enables Windows to read HEIC/HEIF files.
- HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99) — Required for full HEIC decoding. Microsoft charges for this due to HEVC patent licensing costs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Install the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store.
- Right-click your HEIC file and select Open with > Photos.
- Once the image opens, click the three-dot menu (...) in the top toolbar.
- Select Save as.
- In the "Save as type" dropdown, select JPEG.
- Choose your save location and click Save.
Limitations
- Requires a paid HEVC codec ($0.99)
- Only converts one file at a time — no batch processing
- No quality slider — uses a fixed quality setting
- Requires Windows 10 version 1803 or later
Method 3: Microsoft Paint
If you already have the HEIF/HEVC codecs installed, Microsoft Paint can also open and re-save HEIC files.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Right-click the HEIC file and select Open with > Paint.
- Once the image loads, go to File > Save as > JPEG picture.
- Choose your save location and click Save.
Limitations
- Same codec requirements as the Photos app
- One file at a time
- No quality control
- May lose some metadata (EXIF data)
Method 4: Third-Party Desktop Software
If you prefer a dedicated desktop application, several free and paid programs can batch-convert HEIC files on Windows:
Free Options
- GIMP — Free, open-source image editor. Can open HEIC files (with the libheif plugin) and export as JPG with full quality control. Best for users who also need editing capabilities.
- ImageMagick — Command-line tool for batch conversions. Powerful but requires technical knowledge. Example:
magick convert input.heic output.jpg - IrfanView — Lightweight image viewer with HEIC support via plugins. Good for batch conversion with basic options.
Paid Options
- Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom — Full HEIC support with professional-grade export options.
- CopyTrans HEIC for Windows — Free for personal use, adds HEIC support to Windows Explorer and built-in apps.
Comparison of Methods
| Feature | HEICtoJPG Converter | Photos App | Paint | Third-Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $0.99 (HEVC codec) | $0.99 (HEVC codec) | Free to $$$ |
| Installation | None | Codec required | Codec required | Full install |
| Batch Convert | Yes | No | No | Varies |
| Quality Control | Yes (slider) | No | No | Varies |
| Privacy | Files stay on device | Local | Local | Local |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Windows open HEIC files?
Windows doesn't include HEIC support by default because the HEVC codec used inside HEIC files is covered by patents, and Microsoft would have to pay licensing fees to include it. They offer it as a $0.99 add-on in the Microsoft Store instead.
Can I convert HEIC to JPG without losing quality?
Both HEIC and JPG use lossy compression, so some quality loss is inherent when re-encoding. However, at high quality settings (90%+), the difference is virtually imperceptible. If you need zero quality loss, consider converting to PNG instead.
How do I stop my iPhone from taking HEIC photos?
Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select Most Compatible. This switches your camera to shoot in JPG instead of HEIC. Note that this uses more storage space and disables some features like Live Photos with depth data.
Can I batch convert hundreds of HEIC files?
Yes. Our online converter supports batch conversion — drop all your files at once and download them as a ZIP. For very large batches (thousands of files), a desktop tool like ImageMagick may be more efficient.
Start Converting
Ready to convert your HEIC files? Open HEICtoJPG Converter and drop your files — it takes just seconds.