Forum Discussion
How do I convert HEIC files to JPEGs in Windows?
Ugh, HEIC files, the bane of every Windows user's existence. 😅 I spent way too long trying to get Windows Photos to open them, then gave up.
What finally worked for me: TunessBro HEIC Converter. Super simple: drag, drop, convert to JPEG, done. You can even batch convert whole folders, which saved me when I had like 500 HEIC images from a trip.
A few approaches, depending on whether you want to install anything:
Built-in (needs the HEVC codec): once the HEVC Video Extensions are installed, Windows can decode HEIC, and then the easiest conversion is to open the file in Paint and use Save as → JPEG. The Photos app can also export it in newer builds. The snag is the codec isn't free by default, which trips a lot of people up.
No codec, nothing to install: a browser-based converter sidesteps the whole codec issue because it decodes HEIC in JavaScript. I run a free one — https://openmyheic.com/ — that converts HEIC to JPG (and PNG, PDF, etc.) right in the browser. Everything stays local, so it also works fine on locked-down work machines where you can't install software or Store extensions. It handles multiple files at once, which helps if you've got a folder full of iPhone photos.
Prevent it going forward: if these are your own iPhone photos, switch the phone to Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible" and it'll shoot JPG from then on.
Disclosure: I'm the maker of OpenMyHEIC, which I mentioned above.