Why Windows struggles with HEIC files
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) uses the HEVC codec to store photos at roughly half the size of JPG with similar quality. Apple adopted it starting with iOS 11, and most iPhones still save photos in this format by default.
Windows added basic HEIC support in a 2018 update, but it requires installing the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. That codec often costs money unless your PC shipped with it pre-installed.
Even with the codec installed, many Windows apps — including older versions of Photo Viewer, Word, and PowerPoint — still fail to open HEIC files reliably.
Option 1: Install the HEIC codec on Windows
Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions (free) and HEVC Video Extensions (may require purchase). Install both, then restart your PC.
After installation, double-clicking HEIC files should open them in the Photos app. However, this only helps on your machine — anyone you send the HEIC file to will face the same problem.
This approach works for viewing but does not help when you need to insert photos into documents, upload to websites, or share with people who do not have the codec.
Option 2: Convert HEIC to JPG in your browser
Converting HEIC to JPG is the most reliable way to open iPhone photos on Windows. JPG is supported everywhere — every app, every website, every email client.
The HEIC to JPG tool on Irreva converts files directly in your browser. Drag your HEIC photos in, choose output quality, and download JPG files that open instantly on any Windows PC.
No Microsoft Store purchase, no software installation, and no upload to a server. Your photos stay on your device throughout the conversion.
Batch convert a whole iPhone camera roll
If you copied dozens of HEIC files from an iPhone, converting them one by one in the Photos app would take forever. The browser converter accepts multiple files at once.
Drop all your HEIC files into the tool, set your preferred JPG quality (85–90% works well for most uses), and download everything. Each photo becomes a standard JPG that Windows opens without any extra steps.
For future transfers, you can change your iPhone to save photos as JPG by going to Settings, then Camera, then Formats, and selecting Most Compatible. This uses more storage but avoids conversion entirely.
Open your iPhone photos on Windows now
You should not need to buy a codec or install special software just to view photos from your phone. Converting HEIC to JPG takes seconds and produces files that work everywhere.
Whether you have one photo or an entire vacation album stuck in HEIC format, the browser converter handles it quickly and privately.
Open the HEIC to JPG tool, upload your files, and download JPG photos that Windows opens without any extra steps.