Option 1: install the Windows extensions
Windows 10 and 11 can display HEIC after installing HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Some devices also need HEVC Video Extensions (a small paid add-on on many PCs). After installation, the Photos app opens HEIC files. This lets you view them, but many other programs and websites still will not accept them.
Option 2: convert to JPG
Conversion runs in your browser, so private photos are not uploaded anywhere.
- Open HEIC to JPG in any browser.
- Drag in all your .heic files — even a whole folder.
- Download them one by one or as a ZIP.
Option 3: change the iPhone settings
- Shoot in JPG from now on: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.
- Convert automatically when copying: Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic. Photos copied by cable are converted to JPG.
Is HEIC better than JPG?
HEIC files are typically around half the size of JPG at similar quality, which saves space on the phone. For sharing, uploading and printing, JPG is still the safer format — see JPG vs PNG vs WebP.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose quality converting HEIC to JPG?
At quality 90% the difference is not visible. Use 95–100% if you plan to edit the photos further.
Can I convert HEIC to PNG?
Yes, choose PNG in the image converter. PNG files will be much larger, though.