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iPhone photos (HEIC) won't open on Windows? Three ways to fix it
You copied photos off your iPhone, the files end in .HEIC, and nothing opens them. The cause is simple — and there are three fixes depending on what you need.
What is HEIC?
HEIC (HEIF) has been the iPhone's default photo format since iOS 11. It's roughly half the size of a JPG at the same quality, which saves a lot of phone storage. The catch: Windows and many websites can't read it out of the box. You'll see "you need an extension to open this file", or an upload form will reject it.
Fix 1: Convert to JPG (fastest)
Drop your files into the HEIC to JPG converter — many at once — and download JPGs or a single ZIP. Many converter sites upload your photos to a server; ours converts inside your browser, so family photos never leave your computer. Expect a second or few per photo.
Fix 2: Let Windows open HEIC
Install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store and the Photos app will open HEIC files. This only helps with viewing — websites and older apps still won't accept them, so you'll often need JPGs anyway.
Fix 3: Make your iPhone save JPG
- Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible saves new photos as JPG (about twice the size).
- Or keep HEIC on the phone and set Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic, which converts to JPG when you copy by cable.
Good to know
Converted JPGs don't carry over the photo's GPS location, which makes them safer to share. If a JPG is still too big for an upload limit, shrink it with the image compressor. Live Photos store the motion part separately as a MOV file; only the still image is converted.