How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

HEIC is a smart and contemporary image file type that is used by macOS and iOS. But, if you have a Windows computer, there is no native support for HEIC and you may struggle to open and share these images via your PC. One of the most common solutions for dealing with HEIC files if you’re a Windows user is to convert them into JPGs for ready use.

In this article, we’ll show you how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows using the most efficient methods and platforms. If you work with digital images as a blogger, graphic designer, or marketer, or simply want to work with images from off your iPhone or iPad, you’ll increasingly encounter this file type, so having solutions for converting HEIC is extremely useful.

Let’s dive in!

Get and Use a HEIC Image File Extension for Windows 10

You can make up for the lack of HEIC compatibility for Windows 10 by downloading and installing an extension that instructs your computer on how to open the HEIC file successfully.

The two extensions you can use are the HEIF and HEVC extensions for Windows 10, which are available in the Microsoft Store.

Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Go to your Window’s Start menu and search for the Microsoft Store.

The Microsoft Store is the most reliable source of plugins and other apps for your PC. The HEIC Image Extension is available there. If you need to, log in using your Microsoft account.

Convert HEIC to JPG — *First, search for the **Microsoft Stor**e from your PC’s **Start menu**.*

Step 2: In the Microsoft Store, search for HEIF Image Extensions.

Type the name of the extension into the search bar and click on the extension when it appears. Alternatively, you can search online for the HEIF Image extension and access it via the Microsoft Store online.

Step 3: Click Open to download and open the extension.

The HEIC Image Extension is free but if you want the HEVC extension, which can also convert video, you’ll have to pay $0.99.

Use an Online Image Converter to Convert Your HEIC File

Cloud-based software online is less hassle than adding an extension to Windows, and your files will convert 100% of the time. Drag-and-drop online software can convert an unlimited number of HEIC files to JPGs for free. Search online for converter software and use the following steps to convert your HEIC file:

Navigate to the cloud-based file converter website.
Select the image conversion you want: HEIC to JPG output.
Drag and drop the HEIC file you want to convert or click the Upload button and select the file on your computer.
Once the HEIC file uploads, click Convert and wait for the software to convert your file.
Download the newly created JPG and open it on your computer.

Great Online Converters for HEIC to JPG

Cloud Convert: This technical converter converts over 200 file formats! You can quickly convert your HEIC files to JPG or any other output file you want. Just choose the correct file formats in the paired drop-down menus on the homepage.
HEIC Online: This is a dedicated HEIC converter and is 100% free. You can adjust compression and image quality settings on the JPGs you produce.

Convert HEIC to JPG in Your Browser

One of the most convenient ways to convert HEIC to JPG going forward is to use your browser. This completely bypasses the Windows issue.

Below are some browser-based options for you to try.

Use a Chrome Extension

The Chrome add-on store has several image file converters you can download and install in a Chrome or Brave browser. These image file converters handle multiple file types, including HEIC and JPG. When you want to convert a HEIC file, the converter can complete the conversion in Chrome or take you to an online converter.

Examples include:

How to Use a Chrome Extension to Convert HEIC

Open Google Chrome.
Go to the Chrome Webstore.
Search for HEIC Converter.
Click on Converter 365.
In the upper right-hand area, click on Add to Chrome. If a security prompt comes up, click Add Extension.
Add Converter 365 to your browser by clicking the jigsaw puzzle piece add-on icon to the right of your address bar. This will pin Converter365 to your browser.
An icon will appear to the right of the address bar. Click on this icon to open the converter when you need it.

Use Adobe Photoshop to Convert HEIC to JPG

If you’re a graphic designer that works with Photoshop, the answer for converting HEIC files is right in front of you! Photoshop is really underrated as an image file converter, but you can use it to quickly open edit, and convert HEIC files to a range of alternate formats.

Final Thoughts

Because HEIC files are now the standard image file format for Mac and iPhone users, this file format is only going to become more and more common. It is highly likely that the Windows 11 release will have native support for HEIC, but until then, you can confidently access image content on these files by converting them to JPGs.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a HEIC file?

An HEIC file is a versatile image file format that contains digital images and sequences stored in the High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF). HEIF is under a decade old and has been developed to store multimedia data like text, audio, and video along with images. It can also contain multiple encoding formats, like SDR or HDR, in a single file.

HEIC/HEIF files have the extensions:

.heic
.HEIF
H.265

This format is also used to store digital photos because it can save images that have a higher quality and significantly smaller size than JPGs. This is helpful for phones and cameras as the space photos take up is greatly reduced.

The HEIF standard was released in 2015 and adopted by Apple for iOS 11 in 2017. Because it is a relatively new file format, there are compatibility issues. Many HEIC files are automatically converted to JPG if exported.

What is a JPG file?

JPG is an image file type that was developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group in the early 1990s. It is a popular standard for producing lossy, highly compressed images that are extremely easy to share. These files are small with compression levels of 10:1, but not as small as HEIC, and the image quality is not as great, but people share billions of JPG files every day because almost any device can open them.

How do you open an HEIC file?

If you use macOS or iOS, you can simply open and view HEIC images in Apple Photos and Preview. You can also use Apple’s graphic design software Graphic to open and edit these files.

For Windows, you need to use the Microsoft HEIF image extension to view HEIC images. You can download this app from the Microsoft Store.

Android and Chrome can open HEIC photos automatically using Google Photos.

Is HEVC the same as HEIC?

Yes, the High-Efficiency video (HEVC) format is for storing video while HEIC stores image files. HEIC was developed from HEVC.

Samsung and other industry partners developed HEVC in 2013 for its devices to store enhanced images and video with up to 50% image compression than other file types while maintaining image quality.

Is HEIC better than JPEG?

HEIC is a more efficient image file format than JPEG which produces smaller files with better image quality. However, compatibility is the major limitation of HEIC images so JPEG may be the more helpful choice as more devices and apps support it.

Can you convert JPG files to HEIC files?

Absolutely. You can easily convert a JPG to a HEIC file using a range of image converter software, including those we have described above. Just select the opposite conversion to get your HEIC file.

About the Author

Renée Christian

Renée Christian is a writer and long-standing tech enthusiast with interests that span wireless networking, programming, cybersecurity, and personal tech. She enjoys demystifying the big ideas in technology and presenting them as innovative solutions to everyday problems. If Renée is not over here sharing neat solutions and tips for a more connected way of life, you can find her keeping her screen time under control by walking her favorite coastal paths with family and friends. Social: https://www.instagram.com/dartmartdevon/

Follow Me On:

How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Get and Use a HEIC Image File Extension for Windows 10

Step 1: Go to your Window’s Start menu and search for the Microsoft Store.

Step 2: In the Microsoft Store, search for HEIF Image Extensions.

Step 3: Click Open to download and open the extension.