Why Windows can’t open it
HEIC pictures are compressed with HEVC, the same method as many videos. Windows doesn’t include HEVC by default because it’s covered by patents that need a licence. So Windows shows a blank thumbnail, or the Photos app asks you to install an extension.
Option 1: convert to JPG (fastest)
- Open HEIC to JPG in your browser.
- Add the .heic photo.
- Save the JPG.
It works on any Windows PC, needs no install, and your photo never leaves your computer. If a form needs a smaller file, pick a KB limit before you save.
Option 2: install the extensions
To open HEIC files directly in the Photos app:
- Open the Microsoft Store and install HEIF Image Extensions (free).
- Most iPhone photos also need HEVC Video Extensions. Microsoft sells it for a small fee.
- Restart the Photos app, then open the photo.
Check Settings → Apps first. Some PCs come with one or both already installed.
Option 3: stop it at the iPhone
If the photos come from your own iPhone:
- Save new photos as JPG: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. Photos you already took stay HEIC.
- Convert when you copy by cable: Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic. Photos copied to a PC over a cable arrive as JPG. This doesn’t apply to AirDrop or to photos sent by email or chat.
Which should you pick?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| A few photos for a form, email or print | Convert to JPG |
| You get HEIC files from others all the time | Install the extensions |
| It’s your own iPhone | Change the iPhone setting, and convert the old ones |
Tip
If you only need a few photos for a form or an email, convert them. Installing codecs is worth it only if you'll keep receiving HEIC files.
Questions
Why does my iPhone save HEIC instead of JPG?
HEIC files are about half the size of JPGs at the same quality, so iPhones use them to save storage. Apple devices open them without trouble; the problem only appears when the photo leaves one.
Is it safe to use an online HEIC converter?
Many upload your photos to their servers. ReadyFile converts in your browser, so your photos stay on your computer. Whatever you use, avoid sites that ask you to sign up or install something just to convert a photo.
Will converting to JPG lose quality?
Not that you can see. At high quality a JPG looks the same as the HEIC, though the file is bigger.
Does converting remove the location?
With ReadyFile, yes. The JPG doesn't carry the photo's details, such as GPS location or camera model. Other converters may keep them.