How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

The short answer

On Windows, you can convert a HEIC photo to JPG using Paint, the Photos app, or another image program that supports HEIC and JPG. The simplest method is to open the HEIC file in Paint and save it as a JPG. This works on current Windows versions that can already open HEIC files.

What HEIC and JPG mean

HEIC is a modern image format often used by phones because it stores high-quality photos in smaller files. JPG, short for JPEG, is an older and much more widely supported format. Converting to JPG makes a photo easier to share with apps, websites, or devices that do not recognize HEIC.

Convert with Paint

First, make sure Paint can open the HEIC file. If Windows cannot open HEIC files, you may need Microsoft's HEIF Image Extensions or HEVC Video Extensions package from the Microsoft Store. When this support is installed, Paint can usually open the file and complete the conversion.

• Right-click the HEIC file and choose Open with, then Paint. If Paint is not listed, choose Choose another app and select Paint.
• In Paint, select File, then Save as, and choose JPEG picture.
• Select a location, enter a filename, and save the file.
• Open the new JPG file to confirm it displays correctly.

Convert with the Photos app

The Photos app can open HEIC files on supported Windows versions. Open the photo in Photos, choose the save-as or copy-and-save option, and select JPG as the output format. The exact command name varies by app version.

Copy and paste into Paint

If a viewing app can display the HEIC image but you cannot find a direct save-as option, copy the image and paste it into a new Paint window. Then save the pasted image as a JPEG. The result is a flattened JPG without layers or editing history.

When conversion may not work

A HEIC file may not open if the required Windows codec support is missing or if the file is damaged. Some HEIC files contain multiple images, such as a depth map or edited version, and basic tools may not expose every embedded item. If Paint or Photos cannot open the file, install or update the relevant HEIF support package from the Microsoft Store, then try again.

Confirm the result

After saving, locate the new JPG and open it in Photos, Paint, or File Explorer preview. Check that the image appears, that the picture is not blank, and that important content has not been cut off. The filename should end with .jpg or .jpeg.

Known gaps

Exact menu names and availability can vary by Windows edition and app version. Some Windows installations may require a purchased codec for certain HEIC files. If a specific file still cannot be opened after installing available HEIF support, the file may be protected, damaged, or encoded in a way your Windows version does not support.