Tried to open an iPhone photo on your Windows PC and got a "file type not supported" error? You're not alone. HEIC is Apple's default format and Windows doesn't support it natively. Here are three free methods — no paid codecs, no sketchy downloads.
Method 1: Convert to JPG in Your Browser (Fastest)
The quickest solution: use a browser-based converter that runs entirely on your device. Nothing to install, no uploads required.
- Open the HEIC to JPG Converter
- Drag your HEIC file onto the page
- Download the JPG — it opens on every Windows app
Method 2: Email the Photo to Yourself
iOS automatically converts HEIC to JPG when attaching to emails. Just email the photo to yourself from your iPhone, then download it on your PC. Simple but slow for multiple photos.
Method 3: Use iCloud Web
If you use iCloud Photos, you can download JPG copies from icloud.com/photos. Select a photo, click the download button, and it will give you a JPG. This works but requires an internet connection for every photo.
Method 4: Install the Free HEIF Image Extension (One-Time Setup)
Microsoft actually offers a free HEIF extension (separate from the paid HEVC codec). Search "HEIF Image Extensions" in the Microsoft Store — it's free and lets Windows Photos app display HEIC files, though some apps still won't support it.
Which Method Should You Use?
- Just need to open one photo? → Method 1, takes 5 seconds
- Need to edit the photo? → Method 1, get a JPG and open in any editor
- Want to view HEIC in Photos app permanently? → Method 4, one-time setup
- Many photos to convert? → Use our Bulk Resizer for up to 20 at once