How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows (Free, No App)
iPhones save photos in HEIC format by default - roughly half the size of JPG at the same quality. The problem: Windows does not open HEIC files out of the box. Here are three ways to convert them, all free.
By imgresizer.org · Mar 12, 2026 · 3 min read
What is HEIC?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. Apple introduced it in iOS 11 (2017) as the default camera format. It uses the HEVC (H.265) codec to compress photos - achieving about 50% smaller files than JPEG at the same quality. The downside: compatibility. Windows, Android, and most web services do not support HEIC natively.
Method 1 - Convert in your browser (recommended)
No install. Works on any PC. One file at a time.
- Open the HEIC to JPG converter on this site.
- Drop your .heic or .heif file onto the tool.
- Choose quality (90% is a good default).
- Click Convert to JPG and download.
The conversion runs entirely in your browser - your photo is never sent to any server.
Method 2 - Microsoft HEIC Image Extensions
Free from the Microsoft Store. Lets Windows open HEIC files natively.
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
- Search for "HEIF Image Extensions" and install the free extension.
- After installing, right-click any .heic file → Open with → Photos.
- In Photos, go to the three-dot menu → Save as → choose JPEG.
This method also requires the "HEVC Video Extensions" (around $0.99) if you want to open HEVC video from iPhone. For photos only, the free HEIF extension is sufficient.
Method 3 - Prevent HEIC at the source
The best fix: make your iPhone save JPGs instead.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Camera → Formats.
- Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency".
Your camera will now save JPG files. Photos are larger (roughly 3-5 MB vs 1-2 MB for HEIC) but open everywhere without any conversion needed. Existing photos in your library remain in HEIC.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
Some quality loss is unavoidable - JPG is lossy. At 85-90% quality, the difference is invisible in practice. The original HEIC is already lossy, so you are going from one lossy format to another.
Can I convert multiple HEIC files at once?
Method 2 (Microsoft Photos) supports batch conversion by selecting multiple files. Our browser tool currently converts one file at a time.
Why does Windows show a blank icon for .heic files?
Windows does not support HEIC natively. Install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (Method 2 above) to get proper thumbnails and previews.
Related tools