Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

I. Introduction

With the advent of iOS 11, Apple introduced High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) as a new default image format for its devices. While this format has undeniable benefits such as smaller file sizes, higher image quality, and richer colors, it can create compatibility and accessibility issues for non-Apple devices and software, especially for Windows users.

As HEIC files are not widely supported on the Windows platform, users have reported difficulties accessing and converting these files to more commonly supported formats like JPG. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Windows users on how to convert HEIC to JPG, including step-by-step instructions, alternative software options, troubleshooting tips, and automation techniques.

II. Step-by-Step Instructions for Converting HEIC to JPG in Windows Photos App

Windows Photos is a built-in app in the Windows 10 operating system that offers basic editing features and file format conversion capabilities, including the conversion of HEIC files to JPG. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Windows Photos app.
2. Click the ‘Import’ button in the top right corner of the window and select the folder containing the HEIC files you want to convert.
3. Select the HEIC files you want to convert. You can select multiple files by holding the ‘CTRL’ key and clicking on the files.
4. Click the ‘More options’ button (represented by three dots) in the upper-right corner of the window, and choose ‘Convert to JPEG’ in the drop-down menu.
5. Wait for the conversion process to complete. This might take a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the number of files and their sizes.
6. The converted JPG files will be saved in the same location as the original HEIC files.

Note that if you open a HEIC file directly in Windows Photos, the app will automatically convert the file to JPG, so you don’t need to manually convert it.

Here’s what the process looks like:

III. Alternative Software Options for Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows

Although the Windows Photos app is an easy and free option for converting HEIC files to JPG, some users might prefer more professional and feature-rich software options. Here are some of the popular alternatives available:

1. iMazing HEIC Converter: iMazing HEIC Converter is a free desktop software that lets you convert a batch of HEIC files to JPG or PNG formats with one click. It offers lossless conversion, and you can choose to keep the original HEIC files or delete them after conversion.
2. CopyTrans HEIC for Windows: CopyTrans HEIC for Windows is another free desktop software that enables you to view and convert HEIC files to JPG or PNG formats on Windows. It supports batch conversion and offers an option to preserve EXIF metadata during conversion.
3. Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop is a premium image editor that can open and convert HEIC files to various formats, including JPG, PNG, and TIFF. It offers advanced editing and customization options and batch processing capabilities but comes with a steep learning curve and high price tag.

While these software solutions offer some advantages over the Windows Photos app, they also have some drawbacks. Here’s how they compare:

Software	Advantages	Drawbacks
iMazing HEIC Converter	Free, easy to use, lossless conversion, batch processing	No editing options, limited file format support
CopyTrans HEIC for Windows	Free, simple interface, preserves metadata	No editing options, limited file format support
Adobe Photoshop	Advanced editing features, batch processing, supports multiple file formats	Expensive, steep learning curve, resource intensive

IV. Troubleshooting Issues When Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows

While converting HEIC to JPG is usually a straightforward process, some issues might arise, especially with software other than the Windows Photos app. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

1. The software doesn’t recognize or support HEIC files: Make sure you have installed the latest version of the software that supports HEIC files. If the software still doesn’t recognize the files, try converting them to JPG using the Windows Photos app first.
2. The conversion process takes too long: HEIC files can be larger than JPG files, and the conversion process might be slower. Try converting fewer files at a time or using a more powerful computer or software.
3. The converted JPG files have lower quality: Make sure you choose the highest quality settings possible during conversion. Some software might offer compression or downsampling options that can affect image quality.

Here are some screenshots of these issues and their solutions:

Issue #1:

Solution to Issue #1:

Issue #2:

Solution to Issue #2:

Issue #3:

Solution to Issue #3:

V. Benefits and Drawbacks of Converting HEIC to JPG on Windows

The decision to convert HEIC to JPG depends on various factors such as the purpose of the files, the devices or software that will be used to access them, and the available storage and processing capacity. Here’s how HEIC and JPG formats compare in terms of benefits and drawbacks:

Format	Benefits	Drawbacks
HEIC	Small file sizes, high-quality images, rich colors, supports editing and metadata	Not widely supported, compatibility issues with non-Apple devices and software, slower to process and convert
JPG	Widely supported, compatible with most devices and software, fast processing and conversion, smaller file sizes with compression	Lower quality images with compression, limited support for editing and metadata

VI. Automation of the Conversion Process Using Batch Conversion Tools or Command Line Scripting Techniques on Windows

For users who need to convert a large number of HEIC files to JPG regularly, manual conversion can be time-consuming and tedious. Batch conversion tools and command line scripting techniques offer solutions to automate the conversion process and save time and effort. Here’s how to do it:

1. Using iMazing HEIC Converter: iMazing HEIC Converter comes with a command-line app that lets you batch convert HEIC files to JPG or PNG formats. Here’s how to use it:
   1. Download and install iMazing HEIC Converter.
   2. Open the command prompt window in Windows (Press ‘Windows’ key + ‘R’ and type ‘cmd’ in the Run box).
   3. Change the directory to the folder containing the HEIC files you want to convert using the ‘cd’ command (For example, cd C:\Users\Username\Downloads\).
   4. Enter the following command: heictojpeg -folder “” -quality (For example, heictojpeg -folder “C:\Users\Username\Downloads\HEIC” -quality 100).
   5. Wait for the conversion process to complete.
   6. The converted JPG files will be saved in the same location as the original HEIC files.
2. Using Command-Line Scripting: Windows PowerShell is a command-line scripting tool that can automate various tasks, including HEIC to JPG conversion. Here’s how to do it:
   1. Open Windows PowerShell from the Start menu.
   2. Enter the following command to allow PowerShell to execute third-party scripts: Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
   3. Change the directory to the folder containing the HEIC files you want to convert using the ‘cd’ command (For example, cd C:\Users\Username\Downloads\).
   4. Enter the following command to convert all HEIC files in the folder to JPG: foreach ($file in Get-ChildItem *.HEIC) { & “C:\Program Files\Windows Photo Viewer\ImagingDecoder.exe” $file.FullName $file.FullName.Replace(“.HEIC”,”.JPG”) }
   5. Wait for the conversion process to complete.
   6. The converted JPG files will be saved in the same location as the original HEIC files.

Here’s a screenshot of the PowerShell command:

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, converting HEIC to JPG on Windows can solve compatibility and accessibility issues and make the files more versatile and accessible. The Windows Photos app is a convenient and free option for converting HEIC files to JPG, but users can also choose alternative software options with more features and functionality. Troubleshooting tips and automation techniques can help users overcome common issues and automate the conversion process.

Remember, the choice of format ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each format and choose the one that best suits your purpose.