Since iOS xi (which was released in September 2017), HEIC has been the default way to save photos on iPhones and iPads. In that location are a few good reasons for the switch from JPG, principal amid which is to reduce file sizes. However, HEIC tin also store multiple photos (from a burst sequence, say) in a single file.

Android nine (Pie) also added support for this high-efficiency format, and it tin can be worth using it if your phone doesn't already save photos in this mod format.

The drawback is that you lot'll probably detect you cannot open these files after transferring them to you laptop or PC. Microsoft added HEIC (and HEIF) support in version 1809 (the October 2018 update), but fifty-fifty if you lot computer is running the latest version of Windows yous may still have to install a couple of things (and pay actual money) before the native Windows Photos app will open these files and let you view them.

TIP: you can find out which version of Windows your computer is running by typing winver into the Windows search box, adjacent to the Kickoff button, so pressing Enter.

Still, this is not your only option. Here nosotros'll explain how to:

  • Install the extensions and open HEIC files in Windows
  • Convert HEIC files to JPG (for free) and so y'all tin can open up them
  • Transfer photos from your iPhone in a more compatible format
  • Stop your iPhone saving photos in HEIC format

How to open an HEIC file in Windows x

Make sure you lot have Windows 10 version 1809 or subsequently. If the version is below 1809 (which is very unlikely), and then open the Settings app and get to Update & Security > Windows Update.

Next, you demand to install the support utility, available on the Microsoft Store every bit HEIF Paradigm Extensions. This should be gratuitous, just it may already be installed on your device.

How to open HEIC files in Windows 10 & 11

Now, click the following link to get the HEVC Video Extensions. This will cost you £0.79/Usa$0.99, but information technology is required along with HEIF support - unfortunately Microsoft doesn't make this clear in the HEIF Extensions listing.

You used to be able to get this for free using the identical Device Manufacturer version, merely since October 2020 information technology'southward only available if y'all redeem an eligible code.

See more on opening H.265 videos in our separate guide on how to install HEVC codecs on Windows.

HEVC Video Extension

For both tools, click the 'Get' button and expect for the software to be installed.

Now, you should discover that double-clicking on an .heic file will open it in the default Windows 10 Photos app. If not, you should see a window like to the one below where yous can click on the Photos app and tick the box marked: E'er use this app to open .HEIC files.

How to open HEIC files in Windows 10

How to convert HEIC to JPG

If you have installed the HEIF and HEVC extensions mentioned above, you volition detect that when you open up an HEIC file it will conduct a lot like a JPG file. Y'all tin can edit it as normal using the tools available in the Photos app, but you'll also discover that even if you don't brand any changes afterwards clicking on the 'Edit & Create' push at the meridian right, there's a blue 'Save a copy' button at the bottom which lets you re-save the photo in your preferred format, including JPG.

How to open HEIC files in Windows 10

That method is fine if you want to convert the occasional photograph, but in that location are far easier ways of batch converting a lot of photos to JPG

There are quite a few free apps including

  • iMazing HEIC Converter
  • Apowersoft HEIC to JPG converter
  • online converters such as HEIC to JPG

If you want more command, such as the level of JPG compression, file renaming and more, and then check out Duckhead's HEIC to JPG - The HEIC Image Converter on the Microsoft Shop.

Below is iMazing converter, a small app that lets you drag and drop files and choose whether to convert them to JPG or PNG, as well every bit the output folder.

How to open HEIC files in Windows and convert

Apple users tin can hands convert an HEIC file to JPEG on a Mac.

How to make your iPhone transfer photos every bit JPG instead of HEIC

If you don't want to convert files in Windows, then there are various way to share those photos so they go converted to JPG automatically. To share photos, open the Photos app, tap Select at the top, pick the ones you want and so tap the share icon (bottom left) and choose an app or method to share them.

Y'all could transport them via email or upload to a deject storage service. It'southward a bad idea to share via WhatsApp or other social media, equally the photos are invariably reduced in quality.

When you choose to share via Mail yous'll become to pick which size - always go for the original (maximum) file size if you want to retain the all-time quality.

And if you choose a cloud provider such as Google Drive, you should run across that the files will be saved with a .jpeg extension.

How to open HEIC Files in Windows

How to stop your iPhone saving photos in HEIC format

Open the Settings app and coil down until yous see Camera. Tap it and then tap Formats (which is right at the top).

Y'all'll see this screen, and you need to change it from Loftier Efficiency to Most Compatible:

How to stop iPhone saving photos in HEIC format

It'southward a similar story for videos, with H.265 files requiring a codec in order to open in certain apps. Learn more in our guide on how to install HEVC codecs on Windows.

What is a HEIC file?

If you copy photos from a recent iPhone or iPad to a PC or laptop, chances are you'll see a lot of strange HEIC files:

How to open HEIC files in Windows and convert

The format was adult by MPEG - non Apple - so it'southward not Apple trying to do its own proprietary affair. In fact, HEIC is slowly usurping the established (but old and flawed) JPG format.

Images with a .heic are compressed using HEVC, which is the high-efficiency video codec. These images are so stored in a HEIF file, which stands for High Efficiency File Format

At that place are lots of benefits of using HEIF files, even if it is a bit confusing that the file is called HEIC rather than HEIF.

Here's why HEIC files are swell:

  • Effectually half the size of JPG for the aforementioned quality
  • Can store multiple photos in one file (ideal for Live Photos and bursts)
  • Supports transparency like GIF files
  • Can store prototype edits, such every bit cropping and rotating so you tin can undo them
  • Support sixteen-chip colour vs JPG's 8-fleck

You might like to read our tips for taking better photos with your iPhone.