Quick answer
The quickest fix is to convert the photos to JPG: drop them into HEIC to JPG and download normal JPG files — no installation needed. To open HEIC files directly, install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (and, if Photos still can't open them, HEVC Video Extensions). To stop getting HEIC files altogether, set your iPhone to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.
Why your iPhone photos are HEIC
Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos in HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) by default. HEIC files are about half the size of JPGs at the same quality, which saves a lot of storage — but Windows, older software and many websites don't support it out of the box.
Option 1: convert HEIC to JPG (no installation)
Drop your .heic files into our converter and download JPGs that open everywhere: Windows Photos, Paint, Word, email and every upload form. You can convert up to 50 photos at once, and they are converted on your own PC — nothing is uploaded.
HEIC to JPG converter → Convert iPhone photos to JPG in your browser, in batches.Need lossless files for editing? Use HEIC to PNG. Want one document of photos? HEIC to PDF.
Option 2: install the HEIF extension
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions (free, by Microsoft). Install it.
- Try opening a .heic file in the Photos app.
- Still an error or a black image? Most iPhone photos are compressed with HEVC, so you also need HEVC Video Extensions from the Store (a small one-time fee).
After that, Photos and File Explorer thumbnails show HEIC files. Other programs (older Photoshop versions, many web forms) may still not accept them.
Option 3: let the iPhone convert when you transfer
On the iPhone, go to Settings → Photos and under Transfer to Mac or PC choose Automatic. Photos you copy to Windows with a USB cable are then converted to JPG on the way. In iCloud Photos on the web you can likewise choose to download in the Most Compatible format.
Option 4: stop taking HEIC photos
Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible makes the camera save JPG (and H.264 video) from now on. The downside: files take roughly twice the space, and some video modes such as 4K at 60 fps need High Efficiency. Photos you already took stay HEIC.
And the videos?
iPhone videos are .mov files, often in HEVC as well. If Windows can't play them, convert them with MOV to MP4.
Frequently asked questions
Can Windows 11 open HEIC files?
Yes, after installing the HEIF Image Extensions (and often the HEVC Video Extensions) from the Microsoft Store. Without them, convert the files to JPG.
Is converting HEIC to JPG free?
Yes. Our HEIC to JPG converter is free, works in the browser and does not upload your photos.
Do I lose quality converting HEIC to JPG?
Very little at quality 90: the photo looks the same, the file is just a bit larger. Choose PNG if you need lossless files.
How do I make my iPhone take JPG photos?
Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPG.
What is the difference between HEIC and HEIF?
HEIF is the image format; HEIC is the file type Apple uses for HEIF images compressed with HEVC. For practical purposes they are the same.