Apple introduced the HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format with iOS 11, and iPhones have used it as the default ever since. While HEIC produces great quality at smaller file sizes, it's notoriously incompatible with Windows — photos transferred from iPhone to a Windows PC often can't be opened without extra software. Converting HEIC to JPG in your browser solves this problem instantly.
Why HEIC Doesn't Work on Windows by Default
Windows requires the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store to open HEIC files natively. These must be purchased or obtained through specific Windows versions. Without them, Windows Photo Viewer, Paint, and most Windows apps show an error when you try to open a .HEIC file. The easiest solution is to convert HEIC to JPG — a format every Windows application understands.
| Method | Cost | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Convert online (imgresizr.com) | Free | Very easy |
| HEIF Extensions (Microsoft Store) | Free/Paid | Easy |
| iCloud Photos web | Free | Medium |
| Lightroom / Photoshop | Subscription | Medium |
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
- Transfer the HEIC file from your iPhone to your Windows PC (via USB, AirDrop to a Mac then copy, or iCloud Drive).
- Open the Image Converter at imgresizr.com in your browser.
- Upload the .HEIC file.
- Select JPG as the output format and choose a quality setting.
- Click Convert and download your JPG — now compatible with all Windows software.
How to Prevent HEIC on iPhone
Switch to JPG in Camera Settings
If you regularly need to use photos on Windows, set your iPhone to capture in JPG format: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. This makes your camera save photos as JPG instead of HEIC, completely eliminating the compatibility issue for future photos.
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