How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10
Windows 10 needs two components, not one, and only one of them is free. That single fact explains most of the frustration with HEIC on this version.
Why two extensions?
Microsoft split HEIC support along the licensing line, and the split is not arbitrary. Reading the wrapper costs nothing to license, so HEIF Image Extensions is given away. Decompressing the picture inside means running HEVC, which patent pools charge royalties for, so Microsoft charges you in turn.
The practical consequence catches people out constantly: installing the free extension makes files appear to be recognised, thumbnails may even flicker into life briefly, and then opening the photo fails with a codec error. Nothing is broken; the second half is simply missing.
- Install HEIF Image Extensions (free)
Open the Microsoft Store and search for HEIF Image Extensions. This one is free and teaches Windows how to read the container structure. On its own it is not enough — Windows can now see the file but not the picture inside.
- Install HEVC Video Extensions (the paid part)
Search the Store for HEVC Video Extensions, listed at a small charge. Before buying, also search for HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer — if your PC maker licensed it, this free version installs and works identically.
- Convert using Paint or Photos
Once both extensions are in place, Paint can open the file directly: right-click it, send it to Paint, and use Save as to write a JPEG picture. The Photos app gains the same ability under its ... menu. Neither offers a quality setting, so both write at a fixed high value.
- Or skip both installs entirely
The converter on this site carries its own decoder as WebAssembly, so it works on a Windows 10 machine with neither extension installed and nothing uploaded. For bulk work, ImageMagick also bundles HEIF support.
Check for the free manufacturer version first
Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and Acer machines frequently ship with an HEVC licence already paid. The Store listing called HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer is the free variant. It does not always appear in search results — it is sometimes only reachable when Windows itself prompts you after you try to open a HEIC file. Double-clicking a HEIC and following the "get the app" link is worth trying before you pay for anything.
One more thing about Windows 10
Mainstream support for Windows 10 has ended, so HEIC handling on it will not improve. If you regularly deal with iPhone photos on a Windows 10 machine, the sustainable options are ImageMagick for local batch conversion, a browser converter for occasional files, or changing the setting on the iPhone so it produces JPG in the first place — Settings, Camera, Formats, Most Compatible.
Bulk conversion without any Store purchase. Install ImageMagick, open the folder of photos,
type cmd in the address bar, and run
magick mogrify -format jpg -quality 92 *.heic. It brings its own HEIF decoder, so
neither Microsoft extension is needed.
Common questions
- Why does Windows 10 ask me to pay for HEVC Video Extensions?
- Because HEVC decoding is covered by patent pools that charge royalties. Microsoft passes that cost on rather than absorbing it. Check the Store for the 'from Device Manufacturer' listing first — if your PC maker already licensed it, that version is free.
- I installed the free extension and files still will not open. Why?
- Because the free HEIF Image Extensions package only teaches Windows 10 to read the wrapper. The picture inside is HEVC, and decoding that needs the second, paid component. Files appear recognised right up until you try to open one.
- Can I convert HEIC on Windows 10 without installing anything?
- Yes. A browser-based converter carries its own decoder in WebAssembly, so it works with no system components at all and no upload.
- Is there a free alternative to the Microsoft codec?
- Yes. ImageMagick and IrfanView carry their own decoders, so neither Store purchase is needed to convert files. What they cannot do is teach File Explorer to draw previews.