iPhone photos won't open on Windows because they're in HEIC format, which Windows doesn't support natively. Fix this by: (1) installing Microsoft's free HEIF codec, (2) converting HEIC to JPG, or (3) changing iPhone settings to save as JPG instead.
Why iPhone Photos Won't Open on Windows
Since iOS 11 (2017), iPhones save photos in HEIC format (High Efficiency Image Container) instead of JPG. HEIC uses modern compression that saves 50% more storage space while maintaining quality. However, Windows 10 and earlier versions don't include built-in HEIC support, so when you transfer iPhone photos to your PC, they appear as unrecognizable files or refuse to open.
When you try to open a HEIC file on Windows without proper codecs, you'll see error messages like:
- "Windows Photo Viewer can't open this picture"
- "It appears we don't support this file format"
- Photos show as blank thumbnails
- File extensions show as .HEIC but no program will open them
4 Ways to Open iPhone Photos on Windows
1 Install HEIF Image Extensions (Best Method)
Microsoft offers a free codec that enables Windows 10/11 to open HEIC files natively. This is the best solution because it adds permanent support without converting files.
1. Open Microsoft Store on your Windows PC
2. Search for "HEIF Image Extensions"
3. Install the free extension (developed by Microsoft)
4. Restart File Explorer or your PC
5. HEIC photos now open in Photos app automatically
Pros:
- Free and official from Microsoft
- Native integration with Windows Photos app
- Permanent solution - no need to convert files
- Thumbnails show correctly in File Explorer
- Works with all HEIC files automatically
Cons:
- Only works on Windows 10 version 1809 or newer
- Doesn't work on Windows 7/8
2 Convert HEIC to JPG Online
If you can't install the codec (older Windows, work PC with restrictions, or just a few files to convert), use an online converter.
Use our HEIC to JPG Converter to instantly convert iPhone photos to universally compatible JPG format. No software installation required - works directly in your browser.
Pros:
- Works on any Windows version
- No software installation needed
- Creates JPG files that open anywhere
- Good for one-time conversions
Cons:
- Must convert each batch manually
- Requires internet connection
- Privacy concerns for sensitive photos (use trusted converters)
3 Change iPhone Settings to Save as JPG
Prevent the problem entirely by configuring your iPhone to save photos in JPG format instead of HEIC. Future photos will be Windows-compatible automatically.
1. Open Settings app on iPhone
2. Scroll down and tap Camera
3. Tap Formats
4. Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"
5. New photos will now save as JPG
JPG files are 50-100% larger than HEIC. A photo that would be 2MB in HEIC becomes 3-4MB as JPG. If you take many photos, this will fill your iPhone storage faster. Only switch if Windows compatibility is more important than storage.
Pros:
- All future photos work on Windows automatically
- No conversion or codecs needed
- JPG works on all devices universally
Cons:
- Photos take up more storage on iPhone
- Doesn't fix existing HEIC photos
- You lose HEIC's superior compression benefits
4 Use Third-Party HEIC Viewers
Several free programs can view and convert HEIC files on Windows. These offer more features than Microsoft's basic codec.
Recommended Tools:
- CopyTrans HEIC: Free Windows codec with thumbnail support
- iMazing HEIC Converter: Batch convert HEIC to JPG/PNG
- Apowersoft Photo Viewer: View and convert HEIC files
- IrfanView + Plugin: Free image viewer with HEIC support
Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows
Method 1: USB Cable (Direct Import)
- Connect iPhone to Windows PC with USB cable
- On iPhone, tap "Trust" when prompted
- On PC, open File Explorer
- Click "This PC" → Your iPhone should appear as a device
- Open "Internal Storage" → "DCIM" → Folders with photos
- Copy photos to your PC
When using the Windows Photos app "Import" feature, there's an option to automatically convert HEIC to JPG during import. Open Photos app → Import → From USB device → Settings → "Convert HEIC files to JPG"
Method 2: iCloud Photos
- Install iCloud for Windows from Microsoft Store
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Enable iCloud Photos
- Choose "Download originals to this PC"
- Photos sync to Pictures/iCloud Photos folder
Note: By default, iCloud for Windows automatically converts HEIC to JPG when downloading to PC.
Method 3: Email or AirDrop Alternative
When you email photos from iPhone or use "Share" features, iOS automatically converts HEIC to JPG for compatibility. This is convenient for individual photos but impractical for large batches.
Common Problems & Solutions
Problem: "HEIC Image Extensions" Not Available in Store
Solution: Your Windows version is too old. You need Windows 10 version 1809 (October 2018) or newer. Check for Windows updates or use online converters instead.
Problem: Photos Import But Still Won't Open
Solution: The codec installed but Windows hasn't recognized it yet. Restart your PC completely, then try opening photos again.
Problem: Thumbnails Don't Show in File Explorer
Solution: Install CopyTrans HEIC (free) which adds thumbnail support. Microsoft's codec sometimes doesn't generate thumbnails properly.
Problem: Some Apps Still Can't Open HEIC
Solution: Not all Windows programs support HEIC even with the codec installed. Programs like Photoshop, older versions of Office, and many third-party apps require JPG. Convert files for these specific programs.
Quality Comparison: HEIC vs JPG
Many people worry that converting HEIC to JPG will reduce quality. In practice:
- Conversion preserves quality: Modern converters maintain the full resolution and visual quality
- File size increases: A 2MB HEIC becomes 3-4MB JPG, but quality is virtually identical
- No generation loss: Converting once from HEIC to JPG doesn't degrade the image (unlike repeatedly saving JPGs)
- For most uses: You won't notice any quality difference between HEIC and JPG
Best Practices
If you primarily use Windows:
• Install HEIF Image Extensions for viewing
• Keep iPhone on HEIC format (save space)
• Convert to JPG only when sharing with others
If you use multiple platforms:
• Keep iPhone on "Most Compatible" (JPG)
• Slightly larger files but universal compatibility
• No conversion needed ever
For professionals:
• Keep originals in HEIC (best quality, smallest size)
• Convert to JPG for distribution/editing
• Use batch converters for efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does iPhone use HEIC instead of JPG?
Apple switched to HEIC in 2017 because it produces files 50% smaller than JPG at the same quality, saving storage space. HEIC also supports more advanced features like transparency, depth maps, and Live Photos in a single file. It's technically superior but less compatible.
Is it safe to convert HEIC to JPG online?
For non-sensitive photos, yes. Use reputable converters that process files locally in your browser (client-side conversion) rather than uploading to servers. For private photos, install the Microsoft codec or use desktop conversion software instead.
Will Windows 11 open HEIC files automatically?
Windows 11 still requires the HEIF Image Extensions codec to open HEIC files. It's not built-in by default, but it's free from Microsoft Store and takes 30 seconds to install.
Can I batch convert multiple HEIC files?
Yes. Online converters typically support uploading multiple files at once. Desktop tools like iMazing HEIC Converter allow dragging entire folders for batch conversion. Windows Photos app can also batch convert during import.
Does converting HEIC to JPG remove metadata?
It depends on the converter. Quality converters preserve EXIF metadata including location, date, camera settings. However, some quick online tools strip metadata. If you need to preserve location and date info, verify your converter maintains EXIF data.