If you’ve ever tried opening an iPhone photo on your Windows PC only to hit an “unsupported format” error, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. HEIC files are great for saving space on Apple devices, but they’re a headache on Windows without the right tools. In this guide, I’ll share four easy ways to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows, from built-in apps to smart software like WPS Office, which keeps my workflow smooth when dealing with images and documents. Let’s get those photos ready to use!
Part 1. How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
Figuring out how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows can feel like a puzzle, especially when your PC doesn’t natively support iPhone’s HEIC format. I’ve tested four practical methods to help you convert HEIC to JPG Windows-style: using the Photos app with extensions, online converters, dedicated software, or a quick Windows trick. Here’s how to make it happen, with detailed steps and my own take on each approach.
Solution 1: Use the Built-in Photos App (with Extensions)
The Windows Photos app is a great starting point for converting HEIC files once you add Microsoft’s extensions. It’s secure, budget-friendly, and ideal for occasional conversions.
Step 1: Install Extensions Open the Microsoft Store and download the HEVC Video Extensions and HEIF Image Extensions. They’re typically free or a small one-time cost.
Step 2: Open HEIC in Photos Right-click your HEIC file, select “Open with” > Photos. The extensions should now let the image load without errors.
Step 3: Save as JPG In Photos, click the three-dot menu at the top-right, choose “Save as,” select .jpg from the format list, and save the file where you want.
Make sure both extensions are installed, or the file won’t open. This method works well for one or two files but isn’t built for speed with multiple conversions.
I used this method to convert a HEIC photo a colleague emailed me. It was quick, free, and kept my file local, which I appreciated for privacy. But when I tried it with a dozen images, the process felt slow and repetitive. It’s a reliable choice for small tasks compared to other options.
Solution 2: Use Free Online Converters
Online converters are perfect for fast, no-install solutions when you need to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows. I’ve had good luck with CloudConvert, but privacy is a key consideration.
Step 1: Visit CloudConvert Go to CloudConvert HEIC to JPG. The site’s clean layout makes it easy to get started.
Step 2: Upload HEIC Files Click “Select File” and drag-and-drop your HEIC files. You can upload several at once for batch conversions.
Step 3: Convert and Download Click “Convert,” wait a moment, and download your JPG files. Be sure to delete them from the server afterward to protect your data.
Only use secure sites (look for https) and avoid uploading sensitive photos, as they’re stored on a third-party server. This is faster than the Photos app for multiple files.
I converted a handful of HEIC vacation photos with CloudConvert, and it was done in seconds—super slick. But for personal family photos, I steered clear due to privacy concerns. It’s a solid option for non-sensitive files compared to downloading software.
Solution 3: Use File Conversion Software
For regular or bulk conversions, software like CopyTrans HEIC or iMazing HEIC Converter is a lifesaver. Both are free, secure, and built for how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows efficiently.
Step 1: Install Software Download CopyTrans HEIC or iMazing HEIC Converter from their official websites. Follow the quick installation prompts.
Step 2: Convert with CopyTrans With CopyTrans, right-click a HEIC file, choose “Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans,” and a JPG copy is saved in the same folder instantly.
Step 3: Batch Convert with iMazing Open iMazing, drag multiple HEIC files into the app, select JPG as the output, and click “Convert.” Choose where to save your JPGs.
CopyTrans is best for quick, single-file conversions; iMazing shines for batch jobs. Both keep your files offline, making them safer than online tools.
I used CopyTrans for a single photo edit and loved how seamless the right-click option was. For a project with 40 HEIC files, iMazing’s batch feature saved me tons of time. These tools feel more professional than online converters and prioritize privacy.
Solution 4: Use the Windows Snipping Tool (Quick but Manual)
This is a handy workaround for one-off conversions using Windows’ built-in tools. It’s not the prettiest way to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows, but it works when you’re in a bind.
Step 1: Open HEIC in Photos Ensure the HEIF Image Extensions are installed (see Solution 1). Open your HEIC file in the Photos app.
Step 2: Capture with Snipping Tool Press Shift + Win + S to open the Snipping Tool. Drag over the image to take a screenshot.
Step 3: Save in Paint Open Paint, paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V), then go to File > Save as > JPEG. Pick your save location.
This can slightly lower image quality and isn’t practical for multiple files. Use it only for quick, non-critical tasks.
I resorted to this method when I needed one HEIC image for a last-minute email attachment. It got the job done, but the quality wasn’t as crisp, and it’s way too manual for regular use. Compared to other solutions, it’s a backup plan at best.
Part 2. WPS Office – A Smarter Way to Work with Images and Documents
When you’re constantly switching between converting HEIC images and managing documents, the last thing you need is a clunky workflow. That’s where WPS Office comes in—a free, all-in-one suite that’s been my secret weapon for tackling images, documents, and more. While it’s not a dedicated HEIC converter, WPS Office makes handling images and files seamless, especially when you’re figuring out how to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows.
WPS Office delivers a powerful set of tools:
Image Integration: Insert HEIC images into documents or presentations (with HEIF extensions installed).
WPS AI: Extract text from images using OCR or generate file summaries with AI.
PDF Support: Convert documents to PDF or export as image-compatible formats.
User-Friendly Design: No need for extra plugins or complicated setups.
I often drag HEIC files into WPS Writer, then export the document as a PDF or use print-to-image options to save sections as JPGs. The real magic is WPS AI, which I’ve used for:
Text Extraction: Pulling text from HEIC images for reports
Resume Building: Creating polished CVs with AI-driven suggestions
Proofreading: Spotting typos in client proposals
Slide Creation: Designing professional presentations with AI assistance
Last month, I needed to include several iPhone photos in a project proposal. WPS Office let me insert HEIC images directly, convert the document to a PDF, and share it with my client—all in one app. Its lightweight performance meant no lag, even on my older PC. Compared to Microsoft Office, WPS is faster and more intuitive, and the AI tools feel like having a smart assistant on call. I’ve tried other office suites, but WPS’s versatility and ease keep it at the top of my list. Download it at wps.com and see how it simplifies your image and document tasks.
FAQs:
Why can’t I open HEIC files on Windows?
Windows doesn’t natively support the HEIC format, which is Apple’s default for iPhone photos. To view them, install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store or use a third-party tool like WPS Office to manage and convert files.
Can WPS Office help with HEIC conversion?
Yes! While not a direct HEIC converter, WPS Office lets you insert HEIC images into documents (with HEIF extensions), export as PDFs, or save as image-friendly formats. Its WPS AI also offers OCR to extract text or enhance file management.
Are online HEIC to JPG converters safe?
Generally, yes, if you use reputable sites with https (like CloudConvert). However, avoid uploading sensitive images, delete files after conversion, and consider offline options like WPS Office or dedicated software for better privacy control.
Summary
To convert HEIC to JPG on Windows, use the Photos app with HEIF extensions for single files, CloudConvert for quick batches, CopyTrans or iMazing for secure bulk conversions, or the Snipping Tool for a fast fix. I prefer iMazing for large sets and Photos for one-offs. For seamless work with images and documents, WPS Office is my go-to. Its AI tools, like OCR, and PDF support make managing HEIC files easy. Get WPS Office at wps.com to boost your productivity!
