Can't convert heif images to jpg on my Windows 11 PC

HEIF is not supported by Windows PC. Fortunately, you can easily convert .heif to .jpg on a PC by following this guide: https://www.egardget.com/convert-heif-to-jpg

When it comes to converting HEIF (HEIC) files to JPG on a Windows 11 system using command line tools, several robust and free options are available. These tools cater to users who prefer automation, scripting, or integrating image conversion into larger workflows without relying on graphical interfaces. Two standout options in this category are libheif’s heif-convert tool command line interface.

libheif is an open-source library dedicated to handling HEIF images, and it includes a command line utility called heif-convert specifically designed for converting HEIF files to other formats like JPG. To use heif-convert, you first need to install the libheif package. This can be done by downloading the precompiled binaries from the libheif GitHub repository or by compiling the source code yourself if you prefer. Once installed, converting a HEIC file to JPG is straightforward with a simple command:

heif-convert test.heif test.jpg

This tool is highly efficient and preserves the quality of the original image during conversion. It supports batch processing, allowing users to convert multiple files at once by scripting or using wildcard characters in the command line. Additionally, heif-convert is lightweight and integrates seamlessly into automated workflows, making it an excellent choice for developers and power users who require reliable and fast conversions without unnecessary overhead.

Converting HEIF to JPG via the command line on Windows 11 is both achievable and efficient with the right tools. libheif’s heif-convert stands out for its simplicity, speed, and integration capabilities, making it perfect for users who need reliable conversions without extra frills.

Using methods like Microsoft Paint or online converters for bulk converting HEIF files to JPG can be tempting, but they come with some pretty significant drawbacks. Here’s the lowdown based on my experience and general knowledge on the topic.

Disadvantages of Using Microsoft Paint for Bulk Conversion:

• Manual Process: Paint is great for single conversions, but if you've got a whole bunch of HEIF files to convert, it can become super tedious. You’ll be stuck opening each file, saving it, and repeating the process over and over. Who wants to spend hours clicking “Save As” anyway?
• No Batch Processing: Unlike dedicated converters, Paint won’t let you select multiple files and convert them all at once. This is a major bummer if you’re trying to get things done quickly.
• Quality Control: While saving as JPG in Paint is straightforward, you have limited control over the output settings, like quality or compression. If you care about preserving image details, this can be a real drawback. 
• Compatibility Issues: Sometimes Paint doesn’t handle HEIF files perfectly. You might face weird issues like image distortion or color changes after saving. That's not something you want to discover after burning the midnight oil!

Disadvantages of Online Converters:

• Privacy Concerns: When you convert HEIF files to JPG via online converters, you’re putting your images on someone else's server. If those files are sensitive or private, that could be a major issue. Would you want your family vacation photos floating around on the internet?
• File Size Limits: Many online conversion tools restrict the size and number of files you can upload at once. If you’ve got a ton of high-res HEIF files, you might hit those limits, and that’s just frustrating.
• Internet Dependency: You need a stable internet connection to upload and download the files. If your connection is spotty (or worse, if the server goes down), you're left hanging, which can be a total letdown when you're in the zone.
• Performance Slowness: Depending on the site and the number of files, it can take forever to upload, convert, and then download everything. I've had the experience where I sat there staring at the loading bar, waiting for what felt like ages!

When you're looking to bulk convert HEIF files to JPG on a Windows PC, there are definitely some errors you wanna avoid to make the process smoother. Always back up your original HEIF files before starting the conversion. You never know when something might go wrong, and you don’t wanna lose those precious images! Here’s a rundown based on both personal experience and what’s generally known in the tech world:

• Using Unverified Software: There are tons of third-party tools to convert HEIF files to JPG on Windows PC, but not all of them are safe or reliable. Stick to well-known software or tools recommended by Microsoft to minimize the risk of malware or corrupted files.
• Overlooking Batch Settings: If you’re using a tool that has batch processing capabilities, you gotta double-check the settings! Sometimes, you might accidentally change the output format or quality settings if you’re not paying attention.
• Not Checking for Updates: Software can be buggy sometimes, especially if you’re using older versions. Make sure you’ve updated your conversion tool before you start—this can save you a lot of headaches!
• Neglecting Compatibility Issues: HEIF files might not be natively supported in all tools. Make sure whatever software you’re using can handle HEIF files without issues. Windows 10 and 11 natively support HEIF, but not all applications do.

You can take advantage of the in-built Photos app in Windows 10 or 11. It can open HEIF files for viewing. From there, you can save images as JPG one at a time, but that’s not ideal for bulk. If you’re into command lines, you could write a PowerShell script to automate the conversion. It’s a bit of a learning curve but could be super useful for large batches.

Final Tips:

• Before diving in, look for tutorials specific to the software you’re using. There’s often a learning curve, and watching someone else do it can save you a lot of time and guesswork.
• Make sure to adjust the output quality settings if you care about the image quality.
• Check out the reviews of any software you plan to use; it’s often a good way to gauge reliability.

You can use the built-in Photos app along with the HEIF Image Extensions in order to convert heif to jpg on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Step 1: Ensure that your system can recognize HEIF files by installing the necessary HEIF Image Extensions. To do this, open the Microsoft Store on your computer and search for "HEIF Image Extensions."

Once you locate the extension, click on the Get button to download and install it. This extension enables Windows to natively support HEIF files, allowing you to view and manipulate them just like any other image format.

Step 2: Navigate to the folder containing your HEIF files. Right-click on the HEIF image you wish to convert and select Open with followed by Photos from the context menu. The image will open in the Windows Photos app, where you can view it in full resolution.

Step 3: To convert HEIF file to JPG, click on the "…" (More) button located at the top-right corner of the Photos app interface. From the dropdown menu, choose Save as.

Step 4: In the dialog box that appears, ensure that the format is set to JPEG. You can then select your desired save location and click Save. The Photos app will process the conversion, and a new JPG version of your image will be saved to the specified location.

This method leverages built-in Windows tools as both convenient and secure, especially for users concerned about uploading sensitive images to online services. Additionally, using the Photos app allows for quick conversions without the need for third-party software. If you frequently need to convert HEIF files, this approach provides an efficient and reliable solution directly within your Windows environment.

If you're looking to convert HEIF files to JPG on your Windows 11 PC, you’ve got a few straightforward options. I've been through this myself, and it's pretty easy!

1: Using the Built-in Photos App

• Open the Photos App: Start by right-clicking on your HEIF file. You should see an option like "Open with." Select Photos from the list.
• Save as JPEG: Once the file is open, click on the three dots in the top-right corner (that’s the “more options” menu). From there, just choose Save as. You’ll get a prompt to pick a format – select JPEG from the dropdown.
• Choose Your Destination: Pick where you want to save the new JPG file and hit save. Voila! You now have a JPG version of your HEIF!

2: Using Microsoft Paint

• Open with Paint: Similar to the Photos app, right-click on your HEIF file and choose Open with > Paint.
• Save as JPG: In Paint, go to File > Save As and choose JPEG picture. Select your save location and name the file.
• Done: Just hit save, and you’ve got your JPG ready to roll.

3: Online Converters

• If you have a bunch of HEIF files to convert, you can also use online converters like CloudConvart or Zamzer. Just upload your HEIF files, choose JPG as the output format, and let it do the work. Just keep in mind to be mindful of your privacy since you're uploading files to a website.

Tips

If you often deal with HEIF files, make sure you’re set up to view them natively on Windows 11. You might need to install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Sometimes it’s pre-installed, but check just in case!

Also, if you go the Paint route, it’s usually quick, but if you’re bulk convert HEIF files to JPG on Windows 11, using Photos or online tools can be more efficient!