How To Open And Convert HEIC Files To JPEG On Windows 10
What is HEIC?
HEIC is the name that Apple gave to its container for the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) image format and is based on the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Compression) video format.
What it means for you are high-quality images that take up less storage space thanks to a more modern compression method.
You can disable HEIC on the iPhone, but since its introduction in iOS 11, it has become Apple’s default photo storage format. So you’ve probably been using it without even knowing.
How to open HEIC files on Windows 10
While the first time that you try and open a HEIC file on Windows 10 might be met you with sadness, fear not. There is a really simple fix that would have you opening your images in no time.
Eventually, you would expect the support to be baked into Windows 10, but right now it is not and that means we need to get a couple of extensions to help us do that.
1. Get the HEIF and HEVC extensions for Windows 10
The extensions that you need to get are called HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions. Install both extensions from the Store and you are ready to move on. The HEIF extension is free, but the HEVC extension would cost you around $0.99/£0.79.
The extensions for Windows 10 that you need are available for you to download through the Microsoft Store. To open HEIC files you will need two extensions, one for HEIF and one for HEVC. Without both, you would not be able to open HEIC files on your PC.
2. Open HEIC files with Windows 10 Photos app
Once the two extensions from the past step are installed, there are no further special steps that you need to take. Your HEIC files would now open by default in the Windows 10 Photos application.
If you have another application installed that is set as the default for opening image files and you want to open it up in the Photos application instead, simply right click on the image and select ‘Open with’ and click on ‘Photos’.
3. Save a copy as JPEG
While you are now able to open your HEIC files on Windows 10, you might still run into several compatibility issues with other applications and services. If you want to use any of the image files, it is prudent to save a copy as a JPEG.
To do this in the Photos application, first, click on the ‘Edit & Create’ button that is in the top right-hand corner and select ‘Edit.’ Now, click on the ‘Save a copy’ button in the bottom left-hand corner.
When the standard Windows 10 save box comes up you should have JPG selected as a default, but if not, choose if from the drop-down box. Then click on ‘Save’ and you will have an exact copy of your image, now as a JPEG and not a HEIC image file.
