You copy photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC, double-click one, and Windows shrugs — or pops up asking you to buy the "HEVC Video Extensions." HEIC is Apple's space-saving photo format, and Windows support for it is patchy and sometimes paid. There are two ways to deal with it: install a codec so Windows can display HEIC, or convert the photos to JPG so they open everywhere. For most people, converting is the better fix.
Why Windows struggles with HEIC
HEIC relies on the HEVC codec, which Windows does not always include by default. Microsoft offers extensions in the Store, but the HEVC video extension is frequently a paid item, and even with it installed you will still hit walls: many websites reject HEIC uploads, and older programs cannot read it at all. Converting to JPG sidesteps every one of those problems.
The no-install method (recommended)
Open HEIC to JPG in any browser on your PC, drag in your .HEIC files, and download JPGs. No Store extension, no paid add-on, no software install.
- Open the converter in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Drag in one or many HEIC files.
- Download the JPGs and open them normally in Photos, Paint, Office, or any website.
If you would rather just view them
You can install Microsoft's HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Store to let Windows Photos display HEIC directly. It works, but remember it only solves viewing on your own PC — the photos will still be rejected by sites and apps that do not accept HEIC. If you plan to upload, email, or edit the photos, converting to JPG is the more useful path.
JPG, PNG, or smaller?
Choose JPG for normal photos. Choose HEIC to PNG if you specifically need a lossless copy. If a JPG needs to fit a size limit afterwards, run it through the compressor.
Which method should you choose?
Both approaches have a place — pick based on what you actually need to do with the photos:
- Just want to look at them on this PC? Installing the HEIF/HEVC extensions lets Windows Photos display HEIC directly. It is the least work if viewing is all you need.
- Need to upload, email, edit, or share them? Convert to JPG. The codec does not help here — sites and older apps will still reject HEIC, but every one of them accepts JPG.
- Moving a whole camera roll off an iPhone for good? Convert in bulk to JPG so the photos stay usable on any device for years, regardless of which codecs a future PC happens to have.
For most people the second case is the real one, which is why converting to JPG is the answer that "just works" everywhere instead of only on the machine where you installed an extension.
Keep your photos private
These are usually personal photos, so it matters that the conversion happens in your browser: the files are decoded and re-saved on your PC and not uploaded to a server. You can confirm it by disconnecting from the internet after the page loads — the converter still works, because there is nothing to send.
Use the tool: HEIC to JPG — free, runs in your browser where supported, no file is uploaded to a server.
Frequently asked questions
Why will Windows not open my HEIC photos?
Windows needs Apple’s HEIF/HEVC codec to display HEIC, and it is often missing or paid. Converting the photos to JPG avoids the issue entirely.
Do I have to pay for the HEVC extension?
No. Converting HEIC to JPG in your browser is free and needs no extension or install, and the resulting JPG opens everywhere.
Can I convert many HEIC files at once?
Yes. Drop multiple HEIC files into the converter and download them all as JPG; it runs locally in your browser.
Should I install the codec or convert to JPG?
Install the codec only if you just want to view HEIC on your own PC. Convert to JPG if you also need to upload, email, or edit the photos, since many apps and sites reject HEIC.