What Is HEIC? How to Open HEIC Photos on Windows
A HEIC file is a photo saved in Apple's High Efficiency Image format, the default on iPhones and iPads. It looks the same as a JPG but takes up less space.
The catch is compatibility. Windows often can't open HEIC photos until you add a free extension, and many websites and forms won't accept them at all. This guide explains what HEIC is, how to open HEIC files on Windows 10 and 11, how to convert them to JPG, and how to make your iPhone save JPGs instead.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is Apple's name for photos stored in the HEIF format (High Efficiency Image File Format), compressed with the same HEVC (H.265) technology used for video.
Apple switched to it with iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. On an iPhone 7 or later, the camera saves photos as HEIC by default.
Why? Apple's support page says HEIF and HEVC "offer better compression than JPEG and H.264", so photos use less storage on the phone and in iCloud while looking the same.
Why won't HEIC photos open on Windows?
Windows needs two pieces to show a HEIC photo:
- HEIF Image Extensions, which reads the HEIF file itself;
- HEVC Video Extensions, which decodes the HEVC compression inside it.
Many PCs have neither installed, or only the first. Without them, the Photos app shows an error or a blank image, and File Explorer shows no thumbnail.
How to open HEIC files on Windows 10 and 11
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions. Install it; it is free.
- Try opening the HEIC photo in the Photos app.
- If it still won't open, search the Store for HEVC Video Extensions and install it too. Despite the name, Windows needs it to decode HEIC photos.
- Restart Photos (or your PC) and open the file again. Thumbnails should now appear in File Explorer as well.
How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
Converting is the better choice when you need to upload, email or share the photo, because almost every website, form and app accepts JPG.
Convert online without uploading
The HEIC to JPG converter on Zelipho converts the photos inside your browser, so they never leave your computer. You can add many photos at once and download them as a ZIP. It works on Windows without installing any extension.
Need transparency kept or the smallest possible file? Use HEIC to PNG for editing or HEIC to AVIF for websites.
Convert with Paint or Photos
Once the extensions above are installed, you can also:
- Right-click the HEIC file, choose Open with, then Paint.
- Go to File > Save as > JPEG picture.
This works for a photo or two, but it is slow for a whole folder.
How to stop your iPhone saving photos as HEIC
If you often move photos to Windows, you can change how the iPhone saves or transfers them.
Take new photos as JPG
- Open Settings, then tap Camera.
- Tap Formats, then Most Compatible.
New photos are saved as JPG (and videos as H.264). Photos you already took stay HEIC. The trade-off is that JPGs take more storage.
Convert automatically when you copy to a PC
In the iPhone's Photos settings, under Transfer to Mac or PC, the Automatic option converts HEIC photos to JPG when you copy them to a computer over USB. Keep Originals copies them as HEIC. On recent iOS versions this is under Settings > Apps > Photos.
HEIC vs JPG: which is better?
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | Smaller for the same quality | Larger |
| Compatibility | iPhone, iPad, Mac; Windows needs extensions; many websites refuse it | Opens almost everywhere |
| Transparency | Supported | Not supported |
| Best for | Storing photos on Apple devices | Sharing, uploading, email, forms |
Keep HEIC for your photo library if you use Apple devices, and convert to JPG when you share.
Opening HEIC on Mac, Android and in a browser
- Mac: HEIC opens in Photos and Preview. To convert, open it in Preview and use File > Export, choosing JPEG.
- Android: Android 9 and later can display HEIF images, but some apps and older phones still can't. Converting to JPG is the safe option.
- Web browsers: Chrome, Edge and Firefox can't display HEIC images on a web page. That is why websites ask for JPG or PNG.
Frequently asked questions
Is HEIC better quality than JPG?
At the same file size, HEIC usually looks better, because its compression is more efficient. At the same quality, HEIC is smaller. For everyday photos you won't see a difference between a good HEIC and a good JPG.
Why can't I upload my iPhone photo to a website?
Many upload forms only accept JPG or PNG, and some reject files they can't preview. Convert the photo to JPG first. If the form also has a size limit, such as 100 KB, the Image Compressor can bring it under the limit.
Can I convert many HEIC photos at once?
Yes. The HEIC to JPG converter takes a batch of photos and downloads them together as a ZIP, so you don't have to convert them one by one.
Is it safe to convert HEIC photos online?
It depends on the site. Many converters upload your photos to their server. Zelipho's converters run in your browser, so the photos stay on your device.