iPhone Photos Won't Open on PC? Here's the Fix (2025)
"Windows can't open this file"
"It looks like we don't support this file format"
"Can't preview file"
"Invalid file format"
Table of Contents
- Why This Problem Happens
- Solution 1: Convert HEIC to JPG (Fastest - 2 minutes)
- Solution 2: Install HEIC Codec for Windows
- Solution 3: Change iPhone Camera Settings
- Solution 4: Transfer Photos Correctly from iPhone
- Solution 5: Use iCloud with Automatic Conversion
- Which Solution Should You Choose?
- Still Not Working? Advanced Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why This Problem Happens
If you've transferred iPhone photos to your Windows PC and they won't open, you're not alone. Millions of users encounter this frustrating issue every day. Here's why:
The Real Culprit: HEIC Format
Since iOS 11 (September 2017), iPhones automatically save photos in HEIC format (High Efficiency Image Container) instead of traditional JPG. HEIC creates files that are 50% smaller than JPG while maintaining the same quality—a huge benefit for iPhone storage.
The problem? Windows doesn't include native HEIC support. When you try to open a .heic file on a Windows PC, it fails because the operating system doesn't know how to decode it.
How to Check If Your Photos Are HEIC
Locate the Photo File
Find a photo that won't open in File Explorer.
Check File Extension
Look at the filename. If it ends in .heic or .HEIC, that's your problem.
Right-Click Properties
Right-click the file → Properties → "Type of file" will show "HEIC File" or "Unknown File Type"
HEIC vs JPG Quick Facts
Solution 1: Convert HEIC to JPG (Fastest - 2 minutes)
Browser-Based Conversion
⏱️ 2 minutesBest for: Quick fixes, one-time transfers, users who don't want to install anything, batch converting multiple photos.
Why This Solution Works Best
- ✅ No software installation required
- ✅ Works on ANY Windows version (7, 8, 10, 11)
- ✅ 100% private - files never uploaded to servers
- ✅ Converts multiple photos at once
- ✅ High quality retention (95%+ SSIM score)
- ✅ Free with no limits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open the Converter
Visit FreeImageConvert's HEIC to JPG converter in any browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
Select Your HEIC Files
Click "Choose Files" and select all your HEIC photos. You can convert 50+ files at once.
Set Quality to 90-95%
Use the quality slider. 90-95% maintains excellent quality while keeping file sizes reasonable.
Convert and Download
Click "Convert All" → Wait 5-10 seconds → Download your JPG files. They'll now open in any Windows program.
✅ Problem Solved!
Your converted JPG files will open in Windows Photo Viewer, Paint, Photoshop, and any other program. They're also compatible with Android phones, older computers, and email attachments.
Solution 2: Install HEIC Codec for Windows
Microsoft HEIF Image Extensions
⏱️ 5 minutesBest for: Users who frequently work with iPhone photos and want Windows to open HEIC files natively.
What This Does
Installing Microsoft's official HEIC codec adds HEIC support to Windows, allowing you to open .heic files in Photos app, File Explorer thumbnails, and other Windows programs without converting.
Step-by-Step Installation (Windows 10 & 11)
Open Microsoft Store
Press Windows key → Type "Microsoft Store" → Open it
Search for HEIF Extensions
In the Microsoft Store search bar, type: "HEIF Image Extensions" or "HEVC Video Extensions"
Install the Extension
Click "Get" or "Install". It's free from Microsoft. Wait for installation to complete (1-2 minutes).
Restart File Explorer
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Find "Windows Explorer" → Right-click → Restart
Test Your Photos
Try opening your HEIC photos again. They should now work in Windows Photos app and show thumbnails in File Explorer.
⚠️ Important Notes
- HEVC Extension Required: Some users also need "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" (may cost $0.99)
- Windows 7/8 Users: This method only works on Windows 10 (version 1803+) and Windows 11
- Limited App Support: Some older programs still won't open HEIC even with codec installed
Solution 3: Change iPhone Camera Settings
Shoot in JPG Format
⏱️ 1 minuteBest for: Preventing the problem for future photos (doesn't help existing HEIC files).
How to Switch iPhone to JPG Format
Open iPhone Settings
On your iPhone, open the Settings app
Navigate to Camera Settings
Tap: Settings → Camera → Formats
Select "Most Compatible"
Change from "High Efficiency" to "Most Compatible". This makes your iPhone save photos as JPG instead of HEIC.
Trade-offs to Consider
- Pro: All future photos will be JPG and work everywhere
- Pro: No conversion needed when transferring to PC
- Con: Photos take 40-60% more storage space on your iPhone
- Con: Doesn't fix existing HEIC photos already on your phone
- Con: Slightly larger file sizes when backing up to iCloud
Solution 4: Transfer Photos Correctly from iPhone
Automatic Conversion During Transfer
⏱️ 3 minutesBest for: Users who want iPhone to automatically convert to JPG when transferring via USB cable.
Enable Automatic Conversion on iPhone
Open iPhone Settings
Go to: Settings → Photos
Scroll to "Transfer to Mac or PC"
Find the section labeled "TRANSFER TO MAC OR PC" near the bottom
Select "Automatic"
Choose "Automatic" instead of "Keep Originals". This tells your iPhone to convert HEIC to JPG when transferring to Windows PC.
Connect and Transfer
Connect your iPhone to PC via USB cable. When you import photos through File Explorer or Photos app, they'll automatically be converted to JPG.
✅ How This Works
With "Automatic" selected, your iPhone keeps photos in HEIC format to save space, but converts them to JPG on-the-fly when transferring to Windows. Best of both worlds!
💡 Pro Tip: Using Windows Photos App
Windows 10/11 Photos app can import and automatically convert:
- Connect iPhone via USB
- Open Photos app on Windows
- Click "Import" → "From a USB device"
- Select photos → Import
- Photos will be converted to JPG automatically
Solution 5: Use iCloud with Automatic Conversion
iCloud for Windows
⏱️ 10 minutes setupBest for: Users who want seamless photo syncing between iPhone and Windows without cables.
Setup iCloud for Windows
Download iCloud for Windows
Visit Apple's website or Microsoft Store and download "iCloud for Windows" (free)
Install and Sign In
Install the app and sign in with your Apple ID
Enable iCloud Photos
Check the box next to "Photos" and click "Options" next to it
Enable Download Options
Check "Download new photos and videos to my PC". iCloud will automatically convert HEIC to JPG when downloading.
Access Your Photos
Photos will appear in File Explorer under "iCloud Photos" → "Downloads". All will be in JPG format.
⚠️ iCloud Storage Considerations
- Free tier: Only 5GB of iCloud storage (fills up quickly)
- Paid plans: 50GB ($0.99/month), 200GB ($2.99/month), 2TB ($9.99/month)
- Internet required: Photos sync over WiFi, which can be slow for large libraries
- Storage on both devices: Photos take space on both iPhone and PC
Which Solution Should You Choose?
🏆 Best for Most People
Solution 1: Convert to JPG
- ✅ Works immediately
- ✅ No installation needed
- ✅ Works on any Windows
- ✅ 100% private
- ✅ Free unlimited use
For Power Users
Solution 2: Install Codec
- ✅ Native Windows support
- ✅ One-time setup
- ❌ Only Windows 10/11
- ❌ May cost $0.99
- ❌ Limited app support
Prevent Future Issues
Solution 3: iPhone Settings
- ✅ Future-proof
- ✅ Universal compatibility
- ❌ Doesn't fix existing photos
- ❌ Larger file sizes
- ❌ Uses more iPhone storage
For Regular Transfers
Solution 4: Auto-Convert
- ✅ Automatic conversion
- ✅ Saves iPhone space
- ✅ No extra software
- ❌ Requires USB cable
- ❌ Slower than direct convert
Our Recommendation
Start with Solution 1 (Convert to JPG) for immediate results. It's the fastest, works everywhere, and has no downsides. If you regularly transfer hundreds of iPhone photos to Windows, combine it with Solution 3 or 4 to prevent future issues.
Still Not Working? Advanced Troubleshooting
Problem: Codec Installed But Photos Still Won't Open
Possible Solutions:
- Restart your computer - Codec extensions need a reboot to activate fully
- Update Windows - Go to Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates
- Install HEVC extension - Some HEIC files also need the HEVC Video Extensions
- Check file association - Right-click HEIC file → Open with → Choose Photos app
- Reinstall the codec - Uninstall from Microsoft Store, restart PC, reinstall
Problem: Converted JPG Files Look Blurry
Possible Solutions:
- Increase quality setting - Use 95% instead of 85% when converting
- Check original file - If HEIC looks blurry on iPhone, JPG will too
- Avoid double conversion - Don't convert JPG to PNG then back to JPG
- Use better converter - Some tools apply extra compression; use our converter for high quality
Problem: Can't Find HEIC Files on PC After Transfer
Possible Solutions:
- Check DCIM folder - iPhone photos transfer to "Internal Storage/DCIM/100APPLE"
- Show file extensions - File Explorer → View → Check "File name extensions"
- Search for .heic - Use Windows search: "*.heic" to find all HEIC files
- Trust this computer - On iPhone, tap "Trust" when connecting to PC
- Update iTunes - Windows needs Apple drivers to see iPhone; update iTunes even if you don't use it
Problem: Photoshop/Lightroom Won't Open HEIC
Possible Solutions:
- Update to latest version - Photoshop CC 2020+ and Lightroom Classic 9.0+ support HEIC
- Convert to JPG first - Older versions don't support HEIC at all
- Install Camera Raw plugin - Camera Raw 11.4+ adds HEIC support
- Use DNG format - Convert HEIC to Adobe DNG for maximum compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Apple switch to HEIC format?
Apple adopted HEIC in iOS 11 (2017) because it produces files 50% smaller than JPG at the same quality level. This saves iPhone storage space and reduces iCloud backup sizes. HEIC is based on modern HEVC video compression technology, which is far more efficient than the 30-year-old JPG format.
Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
Minimal quality loss if you use 90-95% quality settings. At these settings, the visual difference is imperceptible to human eyes. However, JPG files will be 40-80% larger than the original HEIC files because JPG compression is less efficient.
Can Android phones open HEIC files?
Most Android phones running Android 9 (Pie) or later can open HEIC files. However, older Android devices and many Windows PCs cannot, which is why converting to JPG ensures universal compatibility.
Is it safe to install the HEIC codec from Microsoft Store?
Yes, completely safe. The HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions are official Microsoft products distributed through the Microsoft Store. They add native HEIC support to Windows 10 and 11 without any security risks.
Why does the HEVC codec cost money?
Microsoft charges $0.99 for the "HEVC Video Extensions" due to licensing fees for the H.265/HEVC codec. However, there's a free version called "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" that works the same way. You can also avoid the cost entirely by using Solution 1 (converting to JPG).
Can I convert HEIC to JPG on my iPhone?
Not directly with built-in tools. However, you can use third-party apps from the App Store, or change your iPhone camera settings to shoot in JPG format going forward. The easiest method is still to convert on your PC using a browser-based tool.
Will changing to "Most Compatible" affect Live Photos?
Yes. When you switch to "Most Compatible" mode, Live Photos are saved as separate JPG (photo) and MOV (video) files instead of HEIC and HEVC. This takes more storage space but ensures compatibility with all devices.
Can I batch convert hundreds of HEIC files at once?
Yes! Our HEIC to JPG converter supports batch processing. Select all your HEIC files at once (you can do 50+ files), convert them simultaneously, and download everything as a ZIP file. The entire process takes under 60 seconds for most batches.
Fix Your iPhone Photos Now
Convert HEIC to JPG in 2 minutes with our free browser-based tool. No software installation required.