How to Open and Convert HEIC Files on Windows
To open HEIC files on Windows, install Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, then use the Photos app. If you would rather not install or pay for anything, convert the photos to JPG in your browser.
The HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions
HEIC photos from an iPhone are compressed with HEVC, the same method used for modern video. Windows splits the support into two add-ons from the Microsoft Store:
| Extension | What it does | Price (Microsoft support page, read 29 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| HEIF Image Extensions | Lets Windows read the HEIF container that holds the photo | Free |
| HEVC Video Extensions | Decodes the HEVC-compressed picture inside | $0.99 |
Microsoft's own support page says you need both to view HEIC photos, even if you only use photos. Some PCs already have them installed by the maker. Prices can differ by country, so check the Store listing before you buy.
Many guides point to a free listing called "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer". It is meant for PC makers to preinstall. It may work, but it is not Microsoft's supported route for home users, so we do not recommend relying on it.
Convert HEIC to JPG with the Photos app (Windows 10 and 11)
Once both extensions are installed:
- Right-click the HEIC file and choose Open with, Photos.
- Click the three dots (See more) at the top of the window.
- Choose Save as.
- Set Save as type to JPG (it may show as "JPEG"), pick a folder and click Save.
The menu names change a little between versions of the Photos app. This method saves one photo at a time, so it is slow for a whole album.
Other Microsoft routes
Microsoft also suggests two ways around the extensions: email the photos to yourself or plug the iPhone in, since many devices convert HEIC to a more common format when they send files, or upload the photos to OneDrive. Both involve copying your photos elsewhere first.
Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows for free, without installing anything
The HEIC to JPG converter runs in Chrome, Edge or Firefox on Windows 10 and 11. It needs no Store extensions and no account:
- Open the page and click Choose photos, or drag a folder of photos onto the box.
- Keep JPG selected, or pick PNG or PDF.
- Download one JPG, or one ZIP for a batch, with the original names kept.
The photos are converted inside the browser on your PC and never uploaded. On our test Mac on 29 October 2026, Chrome converted a 12 megapixel iPhone-size HEIC in 0.8 seconds, a 48 megapixel one in 3.3 seconds, and a batch of twenty 12 megapixel photos in about 4.5 seconds. Phones are slower, but nothing waits in an upload queue.
Only want to look at a photo? The HEIC viewer opens it in the browser and shows its date, camera and location. For hundreds of photos, see bulk HEIC to JPG.
Stop getting HEIC files from an iPhone
On the iPhone, Settings, Camera, Formats, Most Compatible makes new photos JPG. Settings, Photos, Transfer to Mac or PC, Automatic asks the iPhone to convert photos to JPG when you copy them to a PC by cable. Details in HEIC to JPG on iPhone.
Questions
Are the HEIF Image Extensions free?
Yes. HEIF Image Extensions is free in the Microsoft Store. The HEVC Video Extensions that HEIC photos also need are $0.99 according to Microsoft's support page.
Why does Windows say I need an extension to open this file?
Windows does not include HEIF and HEVC support on every PC. Install the two extensions, or convert the photos in your browser instead.
Can I open HEIC files on Windows without paying?
Yes. Use a browser tool: the HEIC viewer opens them and the converter turns them into JPG, free and without uploading.
How do I convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10?
Install both extensions and use Photos, Save as, JPG, one photo at a time. Or use the browser converter for any number at once.
How do I convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 11?
The same steps as Windows 10. Some PCs come with the extensions already installed by the maker, so try opening a photo in Photos first.
Is it safe to install the HEVC extension?
Yes, when it comes from the Microsoft Store listing published by Microsoft Corporation. Avoid download sites offering the same files.
HEIC tools
- HEIC to JPG ConverterThe main converter: HEIC photos to JPG in bulk, in your browser.
- HEIC to PNG ConverterHEIC photos to PNG, for editing and design tools.
- HEIC to PDF ConverterHEIC photos to one combined PDF, or one PDF per photo.
- HEIC to JPEG ConverterHEIC photos to JPEG, saved with the .jpeg file ending.
- HEIF to JPG ConverterHEIF and .hif files from phones and cameras to JPG, PNG or PDF.
- Bulk HEIC to JPG ConverterDrop a whole folder of HEIC photos, get one ZIP of JPGs.
- HEIC to WebP ConverterHEIC photos to small WebP files for websites (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
- HEIC ViewerOpen a HEIC file in the browser and see its date, camera and location.
- Remove Metadata From PhotoStrip the location or all details from photos, without uploading them.
On iPhone or iPad?
Convert right from the Photos app
The NoHEIC app adds "Convert" to the share sheet: select photos in Photos, tap Share, pick JPG, PNG or PDF. It keeps the date taken, so converted photos stay in order. No ads, no subscription: free for up to 25 photos at a time, $4.99 once for unlimited. Coming to the App Store soon.
See what the app does- Hundreds at oncefrom the photo picker, no library access needed
- Dates and names keptIMG_1234.HEIC becomes IMG_1234.jpg
- Fits upload formsset a size limit like "under 2 MB"