Forum Discussion
Serenaiams
May 23, 2025Iron Contributor
Free heic to jpg converter software download for Windows 11 user?
Hi,
I am new to Windows 11. Why I can't open .heic images on my Windows 11 with the photos app? On my Mac, the built-in preview app is able to view, edit and convert heic files to jpg. It is now 2025 and HEIC is a popular image format widely used by Android and iPhone.
Please kindly recommend a free heic to jpg converter software so I can download and test them on my new built Windows 11 PC.
Looking forward to your reply!
Sincerely,
Serena
11 Replies
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- JettStoneIron Contributor
Don't use online heic to jpg converter. The desktop app is much faster and safer then online converter. My favorite app for bulk HEIC to. JPG conversion:
https://www.microonn.com/convert-heic-to-jpg-without-quality-loss
- DashielQuinnIron Contributor
So you're finding some HEIC to JPG converters on your Windows PC, maybe using command-line tools or even Windows’ built-in OCR stuff. Cool idea, but there are a few downsides. When you convert from HEIC (which is pretty efficient and high quality) to JPG, there’s always a slight chance of quality loss, especially if you’re not careful with compression settings. JPG is a lossy format by nature, so if you do multiple conversions or tweak settings without paying attention, your images might get a bit fuzzy or pixelated.
HEIC files often carry more metadata—like camera info, location, editing history. Converting to JPG might strip some of that info unless you use specialized tools. So, if you rely on that metadata for organizing or editing later, it might get lost. Using command-line tools or scripts can be powerful, but they might not handle all images perfectly. You may find some images don’t convert correctly, or the colors look off. Sometimes, scripts need tweaking, and if you’re not super comfortable, it can be a hassle.
If you’re using Windows’ OCR engine just to extract images or text, it’s not designed for image conversion. It’s mainly for text recognition, so relying on it for photo conversion is kinda hacky and not very flexible. Plus, OCR can sometimes mess up if the image quality isn’t perfect. If you’re using third-party command-line tools, always make sure they’re from trusted sources. Some free HEIC to JPG converter tools might have malware, or they might handle your images insecurely.
- NguyenaisIron Contributor
Using Microsoft Paint for HEIC to JPG Conversion via Command Line. This method leverages Microsoft Paint (mspaint.exe), a built-in Windows application, to convert HEIC files to JPG format in an automated way using command-line scripting. It's a completely native solution that doesn't require downloading third-party heic to jpg converter software.
Now, you can create a batch file to convert HEIC files to JPEG on Windows 11:
ech0 off setlocal enabledelayedexpansion set "input_folder=C:\Input\HEIC_Files" set "output_folder=C:\Output\JPG_Files" if not exist "%output_folder%" mkdir "%output_folder%" for %%F in ("%input_folder%\*.heic") do ( set "outfile=%%~nF.jpg" mspaint /pt "%%F" "%output_folder%\!outfile!" timeout /t 1 >nul )
Advantages
✅ 100% native Windows solution
✅ No additional software required
✅ Preserves basic image quality
✅ Works silently in backgroundLimitations
⚠️ Slower than dedicated converters (about 2-3 seconds per image)
⚠️ Limited to basic image conversion (no quality adjustment)
⚠️ May fail with very large HEIC files (>20MP)
⚠️ Transparency in HEIC will be lost (converted to white background) - PattismoooIron Contributor
If you are are familiar with command line, then there are great command line heic to jpg converter software you can use on Windows 11 or Windows 10. And if the HEIC is a simple photo (no transparency), you can use Windows' built-in OCR engine (weirdly, it can extract images).
Windows.Media.Ocr is a built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engine in Windows 10/11 that allows developers to extract text from images programmatically. It is part of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) API and is primarily used in apps to recognize text in photos, screenshots, or scanned documents. You can use this script for heic to jpg conversion on Windows 11/10.
$heicPath = "C:\Path\To\Image.heic" $jpgPath = "C:\Path\To\Output.jpg" # Load the HEIC file using Windows.Media.Ocr (indirectly) Add-Type -AssemblyName System.Windows.Media $bitmap = New-Object Windows.Media.Imaging.BitmapImage $bitmap.BeginInit() $bitmap.UriSource = New-Object Uri($heicPath) $bitmap.EndInit() # Save as JPG $encoder = [Windows.Media.Imaging.JpegBitmapEncoder]::new() $encoder.Frames.Add([Windows.Media.Imaging.BitmapFrame]::Create($bitmap)) $stream = [System.IO.File]::OpenWrite($jpgPath) $encoder.Save($stream) $stream.Close() Write-Output "Converted $heicPath to $jpgPath"
- BreckenFosterIron Contributor
From my own experience messing around with free tools like libheif or dheif, I’ve noticed a few downsides to using them for converting HEIC to JPG on Windows. Here’s the lowdown in casual talk:
1. Setup hassle: These tools are often command-line based or require some technical fiddling. If you’re not super comfy with terminal commands or installing dependencies, it can be a pain in the **bleep** to get them working. I remember spending a bit of time figuring out how to install and run them just to get my pics converted.
2. No GUI (Graphical User Interface): Most of these are pure command-line tools, so no nice buttons or drag-and-drop. You gotta type commands or write scripts when converting HEIC to JPG. If you prefer clicking around visually, this isn’t ideal.
3. Batch conversion complexity: While they can handle multiple files, setting up batch scripts can get confusing, especially if you’re not used to scripting. I once tried to convert a folder full of HEICs and ended up messing up the commands a few times before I got it right.
4. Potential compatibility issues: Sometimes, these open-source tools might not play nicely with all Windows versions or might need extra libraries installed, which can be annoying or confusing if you’re not tech-savvy.
In short, while free tools like libheif or dheif are great if you’re comfortable with tech and want a free, open-source solution, they’re not the most user-friendly or hassle-free, especially if you’re just looking to do a quick, casual conversion without diving into command lines.
- NoammskyIron Contributor
The Windows Photos app (preinstalled on Windows 10 & 11) can easily convert HEIC to JPG if you have the HEIF Image Extension installed. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store Search for "HEIF Image Extension" and click "Install".
Step 2: Some HEIC files require this for proper decoding. Search for "HEVC Video Extension" in the Microsoft Store.
Step 3: Open the HEIC file in the Photos app (double-click or right-click → Open with → Photos).
Step 4: Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner.
Step 5: Select "Save as" or "Save a copy".
Step 6: In the "Save as type" dropdown, choose JPEG (*.jpg). This will convert heic to jpg on Windows 11/10.
Step 7: Pick a destination folder and click Save.
Advantages of HEIF over JPEG
While converting to JPEG is sometimes necessary for compatibility, remember that HEIF offers:- Better image quality at smaller sizes
- Support for advanced features like image sequences
- Future-proof format adopted by Apple and increasingly by Android devices
The HEIF Image Extension brings this modern format support to Windows, bridging compatibility gaps between platforms.
- JasperMonroeIron Contributor
About HEIC to JPG. If you’re comfortable with a bit of scripting, you can use PowerShe11 with some free tools like 1megeMagick (though you said no to certain apps, so maybe skip this).
* Alternatively, there are some lightweight scripts online that can batch convert HEIC to JPG.
* Honestly, I tried this once, and it’s pretty effective once you get it set up.Some third-party tools like libheif or dheif are open source and free. You can run commands to convert HEIC to JPG, but it’s a bit geeky. For quick, no-fuss conversions, I stick with online sites. They’re fast and don’t require me to install anything.
Just be cautious about privacy. If you’re doing a lot of images regularly, I’d recommend finding a lightweight app (but since you said no to 1rfanView/XnC0nvert), maybe try 1megeMagick or XnV1ew MP (which is free and awesome). But for casual, quick conversions, online tools are king.
- GeorgeooneyIron Contributor
HEIF Image Extension is a Microsoft-developed software component that enables Windows 10 and later versions to read and display High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) images. HEIF is a modern image container format that uses advanced compression technology (typically HEVC/H.265) to store images with better quality at smaller file sizes compared to traditional formats like JPEG.
This is a completely free heic to jpg converter software for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Below is the tutorial:
1. Open Microsoft Store Search for "HEIF Image Extension" Click "Install" (this is free)
2. Also search for "HEVC Video Extension" in Microsoft Store. The official Microsoft version may cost $0.99, but device manufacturers often provide it for free.
3. Right-click your HEIC file
4. Select "Open with" → "Paint"
5. Once opened, click "File" → "Save as"
6. Choose "JPEG picture" from the format dropdown
7. Select location and click "Save"
Troubleshooting
- Ensure both HEIF and HEVC extensions are installed
- Check that your Windows is updated (version 1803 or later)
- Try opening the file in different applications
- Verify the HEIC file isn't corrupted by testing on another device
- EzraKnightIron Contributor
Hey! From my own experience messing around with HEIC to JPG conversions, online HEIC to JPG converters are kinda my go-to when I need something quick and hassle-free. Here’s why I dig them:
- No install mess: Just hop onto a website and drag your files, pick JPG, and boom — done. No extra programs to clutter up your system, which is nice.
- Fast and straightforward: Usually, it’s super quick. Especially if you only have a few images. I just upload, wait a sec, and download the pics. It’s perfect if you’re in a pinch.
- Cross-platform: Doesn’t matter if you’re on Windows, Mac, or even phone — these sites work everywhere. So, pretty flexible.
- No worries about compatibility: Sometimes, installing apps can be a pain with weird error messages or bugs. Online tools bypass that mess entirely.
- Good for occasional use: If you’re not doing this all the time, it’s just easier than installing dedicated software.
But, yeah, a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Privacy concerns: Since you’re uploading your pics to a website, make sure you trust them, especially if your images are private or sensitive.
- File size limits: Some sites have max upload sizes or a limited number of files at once, so if you’re dealing with tons of pics, it might get annoying.
So, in my experience, online HEIC to JPG converters are perfect for quick, casual conversions — especially when I don’t wanna mess with installing stuff or when I just need a handful of images converted fast.
- Anonymous
I also prefer online applications - they’re a great way to quickly get things done without the hassle of installing software. The only thing I’d add is that for handling large volumes of files, desktop app are often more convenient.
- DeclanRhodesIron Contributor
Hey! Yeah, the Windows Photos app combined with the HEIF extension is a decent way to open HEIC files on Windows, but it’s not really designed for bulk conversions or direct "Save As" to JPG. It’s more of a viewing solution for HEIC to JPG.
Here’s how it works and what you can do:
1. Install the HEIF Image Extensions: Go to the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions. Install it — this is what lets Windows Photos open HEIC files.
2. Open HEIC in Photos: Once installed, just double-click your HEIC image, and it will open in Photos.
3. Save as JPG: In Photos, click the "..." menu (top right), then choose "Save as" or "Save a copy". Usually, Photos saves images in the same format, so you might need to use the "Save as" option and select JPG if available.
However, the catch is:
The Photos app doesn’t directly offer an option to convert HEIC to JPG or export multiple images as JPG in one go.
If you want to convert multiple images, you’d have to open each one individually, which is tedious.
Better alternative: For quick bulk conversion, I recommend using free tools like 1rfanView or online converters, as they handle multiple files at once easily.