How do I convert HEIC files to JPEGs in Windows 10?

No matter which HEIC to JPG converter software you use to work for you, but convert HEIC to JPG using the built-in Paint app in Windows 10 has some disadvantages, including:

1. Loss of Image Quality and Compression Artifacts:

Although both formats are compressed, converting from HEIC (which often uses advanced compression techniques) to JPG can result in some loss of image quality, especially if the JPG is saved with a lower quality setting.

2. Reduced Compression Efficiency:

HEIC typically provides better compression, resulting in smaller file sizes for similar quality. Converting to JPG may produce larger files, consuming more storage space.

3. Limited Metadata Preservation:

The conversion process might strip or lose some image metadata (like EXIF data, color profiles, or other embedded information), which can be important for photography workflows.

4. Lack of Advanced Editing Features:

Using Paint for conversion is basic and may not offer options like adjusting compression quality or batch processing, making it less suitable for professional or high-volume workflows.

5. Risk of Inadvertent Quality Degradation:

Repeated conversions or saving multiple times can degrade image quality, especially with lossy formats like JPG, leading to cumulative quality loss.

While converting HEIC to JPG via Paint is convenient, it may compromise image quality, increase file sizes, and lack advanced control options—making it less ideal for professional or high-fidelity needs. Perhaps, other HEIC to JPG converter software will be more useful to you.

For a bunch of photos, if you don't have any prior scripting or programming experience, I would suggest an unlimited online file converter with a batch processing option. Https://cnvrt.app/heic-to-jpeg has no limits on how many files you can convert and supports batch conversions.

Stop your iPhone from taking .heic in the first place.  On your iPhone go to Settings/Camera/Formats.  Choose "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency".

It says below the option: "To reduce file size, capture photos and videos in the High Efficiency HEIF/HEVC format.  Most Compatible will always use JPEG/H.264.  Cinematic video, 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps, and HDR video require High Efficiency."

heic2any is another possible solution. it is a client-side JavaScript library, built with TypeScript, used to convert HEIC/HEIF image files into more widely supported formats like JPEG, PNG, or GIF. It runs entirely in-browser using Web APIs and Web Workers.

Step 1: Download and install Node.js in Windows 10.

Step 2: heic2any HEIC Converter via npm, stands for Node Package Manager. It is the default package manager for Node.js, and it's used to install, manage, and share JavaScript libraries or tools.

npm install heic2any

Step 3: Convert a heic file to jpg.

heic2any -i "C:\Input\image.heic" -o "C:\Output\image.jpg"

To convert multiple heic files to jpg in a folder:

heic2any -i "C:\Input\*.heic" -o "C:\Output"

✅ Benefits:
💡 Free and open-source.

⚡ Fast and supports batch HEIC to JPEG conversion.

✅ Works purely from the command line (no GUI automation).

HEIC is a modern image format used by Apple iPhone, but it's not always compatible with Windows os. If you want to batch convert .heic files to the more universal .jpg format using PowerShell, it's possible. But you'll need Windows 10/11 with HEIF and HEVC extensions installed and access to the Windows.Graphics.Imaging API via PowerShell.

Below is a PowerShell script using Windows Runtime APIs to convert HEIC to JPG in Windows 11/10.

Add-Type -AssemblyName System.Runtime.WindowsRuntime
$null = [Windows.Storage.StorageFile, Windows.Storage, ContentType = WindowsRuntime]

# Source and destination folders
$sourceFolder = "C:\Path\To\HEIC"
$destinationFolder = "C:\Path\To\Output"

# Load all .heic files
$files = Get-ChildItem -Path $sourceFolder -Filter *.heic

foreach ($file in $files) {
    $inputPath = Join-Path $sourceFolder $file.Name
    $outputPath = Join-Path $destinationFolder ($file.BaseName + ".jpg")
    $softwareBitmap = $decoder.GetSoftwareBitmapAsync().GetAwaiter().GetResult()

    $outputFile = [Windows.Storage.StorageFile]::CreateStreamedFileAsync(
        [System.IO.Path]::GetFileName($outputPath),
        { param($streamOut)
            $outStream = $streamOut.AsStreamForWrite()
            $encoder = [Windows.Graphics.Imaging.BitmapEncoder]::CreateAsync(
                [Windows.Graphics.Imaging.BitmapEncoder]::JpegEncoderId,
                $streamOut
            ).GetAwaiter().GetResult()
            
        },
        $null
    ).GetAwaiter().GetResult()

    Write-Host "Converted: $inputPath -> $outputPath"
}

⚠️ Notes:

✅ HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions must be installed from Microsoft Store.

✅ Tested fine on Windows 10  and Windows 1111.

⚠️ This method works only on systems where the Windows Runtime API is available.

❌ Does not work on older versions of Windows or systems without HEIC support. In this case, you need a third-party HEIC to JPEG converter app instead.

Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward, and honestly, there's not much danger if you do it the right way. From my own experience (and what I’ve seen), as long as you use a reliable converter—like built-in Windows options or reputable third-party tools—you're good to go. Converting HEIC to JPG won't cause you to lose other data on your computer.  It's just changing the format of the image file.  Think of it like renaming a file; you're not deleting the content or affecting anything else on your hard drive.
 

A few things to keep in mind when convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10:  
* Backup your original HEIC files just in case something weird happens during conversion.
* Avoid shady or unknown converters because they might mess with your files or even pose security risks.
* Check the quality after conversion to make sure it looks good and hasn't lost details.

All in all, just stick to trusted tools, keep backups, and you'll be fine. No big danger there!

Using cloudcoonvert.com/heic-to-jpg is a great option for converting HEIC to JPG on a Windows computer. Here's how you can do it:

Steps to Convert HEIC to JPG Using CloudCoonvert:

1. Open Your Browser and go to cloudcoonvert.com/heic-to-jpg.
2. Upload Your HEIC Files  

    Click the "Select Files" button.
    You can upload files from your computer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or via a URL.
    Select the HEIC images you want to convert.

3. Configure Settings (Optional)  
    You can choose to convert all files as a batch or individually.
    Adjust any optional settings if needed (such as image quality).

4. Start Convert HEIC to JPG 
    Click the "Convert" button.
    The website will process your images. This may take a few moments depending on file size and number.

5. Download Your JPG Files   
    Once done, click "Download" to save the converted JPG images to your computer.
    You can also choose to download a ZIP archive if multiple images are converted.

Note:
  1.  CloudCoonvert offers free conversions with some limits (like a daily quota).
  2.  For larger batches or more frequent use, consider creating a free account or subscribing.
  3.  Ensure your internet connection is stable for smooth upload and download.

Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 come with a built-in Print Pictures that allows you to print an image to a file, and it automatically converts HEIC to JPEG in the process and no third-party apps needed.

1. Right-click the .heic image file.
2. Choose Print from the context menu.
3. In the Printer dropdown, select Microsoft Print to PDF (if you want a PDF output), or a real printer if you just want a physical copy.
4. For HEIC to JPEG conversion, choose a standard printer, or install a free virtual printer driver like Microsoft Print to JPEG if available.
5. Under Paper size and Photo layout, choose your preferences (e.g., 4x6, full page).
6. Check Fit picture to frame (optional).
7. Click Print.
8. Choose a save location when prompted and click Save.

This will output the file in a .jpg format in many cases especially if a virtual image printer like "Print to JPG" is set up.

This method is best HEIC to JPEG converter for Windows 11/10 when needing quick conversion with a printed layout, such as photo printing.

The built-in Paint app is able to convert .heic to .jpg in Windows 10. 

✅ Prerequisite

Before using Paint, you must ensure that your system can open HEIC files. If it can't:

1. Open any .heic file.
2. If prompted, download the “HEIF Image Extensions” from the Microsoft Store (it’s free).
3. Once installed, you’ll be able to view HEIC images in Photos and Paint.

🖼️ How to Convert HEIC to JPG in Windows 10

1. Right-click the HEIC file in File Explorer.

2. Select Open with > Paint.

If you don’t see Paint, click “Choose another app” and select Paint manually.

3. Once the image opens in Paint, click on the File menu in the top-left corner.

4. Select Save As > JPEG picture.

5. Choose your destination folder and click Save.

The image will now be saved as a .jpg file, and the original .heic file remains unchanged.

📝 Notes:

This HEIC to JPEG Converter utility works well for single images. If you need batch conversion, this method is not suitable unless automated with scripts or tools.

Paint doesn't preserve HEIC metadata like Live Photo data or depth info.