You copied photos from an iPhone to your Windows PC and they will not open, or show up as "HEIC" files Windows does not understand. Windows needs a paid codec to view HEIC, and many apps reject it entirely. The simplest fix: convert HEIC to JPG right in your browser — no codec, no app, no payment, and your photos never leave your computer.
Open HEIC to JPG ConverterWhy HEIC Won't Open on Windows
iPhones save photos as HEIC to save space. Windows 10 and 11 do not include HEIC support by default — opening one prompts you to buy the "HEVC Video Extensions" from the Microsoft Store. Even after that, lots of programs and websites still will not accept HEIC. Converting to JPG sidesteps all of it, because JPG opens on literally everything.
Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows in 3 Steps
- 1On your Windows PC, open the WowShortcuts HEIC to JPG tool in any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
- 2Drag your HEIC photos in — or click to select them from your folder.
- 3Each photo converts to JPG in the browser. Download them, and they now open in Photos, Paint, Word, or any website.
You can convert many HEIC files at once. No need to install the Microsoft HEVC codec or any third-party software.
Why Not Just Install the Windows Codec?
- The HEVC extension costs money on the Microsoft Store
- It only lets you view HEIC — many sites and apps still reject the format on upload
- Converting to JPG fixes it everywhere, permanently, for free
- No admin rights or installs needed — just a browser
Avoid HEIC converter sites that upload your photos to a server — personal photos are sensitive. A browser-based converter keeps them on your PC.
Stop Getting HEIC From Your iPhone
To make your iPhone send JPG instead of HEIC going forward: Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible." New photos will be JPG. Existing HEIC photos still need converting, which is what this tool is for.
Conclusion
You do not need to pay for a codec or install anything to open iPhone photos on Windows. Use the WowShortcuts HEIC to JPG converter in your browser to turn HEIC into universal JPG — free, instant, and private.