Converting HEIC Files to JPG on Windows 11
Managing HEIC files on a Windows 11 PC can be a bit of a pain. If you need to turn those into JPGs, you might’ve already noticed that not all programs handle HEIC — Apple’s high-efficiency image format — seamlessly. Here’s the quick rundown: converting them isn’t complicated, but it can feel that way at first. Luckily, there are easy ways to do it, either with built-in tools or a bit of extra help from the Microsoft Store.
Using the Photos App
First up, open the Photos app that comes pre-installed on Windows 11. It’s your best bet for viewing and managing photos, and it can open HEIC files — once set up correctly. If your HEIC images aren’t showing up, it’s probably because a necessary codec is missing.
Install the HEIF Image Extension
Yes, that’s right — you need to install the HEIF Image Extension. Head over to the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:
- Open the Microsoft Store from the taskbar.
- Search for
HEIF Image Extension. - Click Get to install it.
Once it’s installed, your HEIC files should open smoothly in the Photos app. Honestly, without this extension, you’re pretty much stuck with HEIC files that won’t open properly.
Preparing Your HEIC Image
To open your HEIC file, browse through File Explorer:
- Right-click on your HEIC image, select Open with, then choose Photos.
- Or just double-click it—whichever’s easier.
If it still won’t open, double-check that the extension installed correctly, or go back to Photos, click Import, and locate the file there.
Converting to JPG
Once your HEIC image is open and looks good, it’s time to save it as a JPG:
- Click the … (More options) icon in the top-right corner, then select Save as or Export.
- If you can’t find those, try printing it: select Print and then choose Microsoft Print to PDF. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it might do the trick.
Or, for a simpler option, try using Paint:
- Open the image in Photos, right-click, and choose Copy.
- Launch Paint, then press Ctrl + V to paste.
- Go to File > Save as > JPEG picture.
It’s a bit of a roundabout method, but it gets the job done.
Finalising the Conversion
Select where you want to save your JPG. Use the Save As dialog to choose your location and hit Save. Your JPG will be ready for sharing or printing. This process is designed to be straightforward — even if you’re not a tech whiz, you should get through it without a headache.
Once finished, your JPGs are easier to share, edit, and use across devices. Who would’ve thought converting a simple file could be so annoying? But now that it’s done, everything should run smoothly.
A quick heads-up: on some devices, HEIC files might still cause issues. If that happens, try restarting your PC or reinstalling the extension.