Windows 11 HEIC Support: What Works and What Doesn't
Windows 11 includes built-in support for viewing HEIC files—but with a catch. Microsoft ships the HEIF Image Extensions by default, which handles the container format. However, you also need the HEVC Video Extensions to decode the actual image data inside HEIC files.
Once both extensions are installed, Windows Explorer shows HEIC thumbnails, the Photos app opens HEIC files, and you can view them like any other image. The limitation is that many third-party applications, email clients, and websites still don't accept HEIC uploads.
Windows 11 vs Windows 10 HEIC Support
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| HEIF Extensions | Pre-installed | Free from Microsoft Store |
| HEVC Extensions | Free from Microsoft Store | $0.99 from Microsoft Store |
| Explorer Thumbnails | Yes (with HEVC) | Yes (with HEVC) |
| Native Sharing | Limited—most apps need JPG | Limited—most apps need JPG |
Why HEIC requires codecs
HEIC files use HEVC (H.265) compression—the same codec used for 4K video. This compression delivers 40-50% smaller files than JPG at similar quality, but it requires a decoder. Apple devices include this decoder by default; Windows requires an extension.
Install the Free HEVC Codec on Windows 11
The quickest way to view HEIC files on Windows 11 is to install the free HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. This enables thumbnails in File Explorer and opens HEIC files in the Photos app.
Steps to install HEVC extensions
- Open the Microsoft Store app (search "Microsoft Store" in the Start menu).
- Search for "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" or use this direct link.
- Click "Get" or "Install" (it's free for Windows 10/11 users).
- Restart File Explorer or reboot for thumbnails to appear.
The $0.99 version trap
Microsoft sells two versions of HEVC extensions: one for $0.99 and one for free. They're functionally identical. The free version is labeled "from Device Manufacturer" and is intended for OEMs, but anyone can install it. Don't pay unless the free version doesn't appear in your search results.
After installation, double-click any HEIC file to open it in Photos. File Explorer will show thumbnails for HEIC files in your folders. This works for HEIC photos transferred from iPhone, iPad, or any camera that shoots in HEIF format.
When You Still Need to Convert HEIC to JPG
Installing the HEVC codec solves the viewing problem, but many workflows still require JPG. The compatibility gap between Apple's HEIC format and the broader Windows ecosystem creates friction when sharing or uploading files.
Common scenarios requiring JPG conversion
- Email Attachments — Most email clients (Outlook, Gmail web) don't display HEIC inline. Recipients may see a broken image or download prompt.
- Website Uploads — Many form builders, older CMS installations, and social media platforms still reject HEIC uploads.
- Printing Services — Shutterfly, Costco Photo, and most print shops require JPG, PNG, or TIFF.
- Older Software — Photoshop versions before CC 2018, older image editors, and legacy business software lack HEIC support.
The Real-World Compatibility Gap
Even with Windows 11's native viewing support, you'll hit walls when moving HEIC files beyond your PC. Many web platforms still don't support HEIC uploads directly. Email is worse—Outlook desktop displays HEIC thumbnails, but Outlook web and most corporate email systems don't.
The practical rule: Use HEIC for storage (smaller files, better quality), convert to JPG for sharing.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 11
There are several ways to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 11, ranging from built-in tools to dedicated converters. The right method depends on how many files you need to convert and how often you do it.
Option 1: Windows Photos App (Single Files)
The built-in Photos app can save HEIC files as JPG through its "Save a copy" feature. This works for occasional single-file conversions but becomes tedious for multiple images.
Convert using Windows Photos
- Open the HEIC file in the Photos app.
- Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top toolbar.
- Select "Save a copy".
- In the save dialog, change the file type from ".heic" to ".jpg".
- Choose a location and save.
Option 2: Online Converter (Quick Batches)
For converting multiple files without installing software, an online converter is the fastest option. Drop your files, wait for processing, and download the results.
Security considerations for online converters
Before using any online service, check its privacy policy. Look for TLS encryption (https), EU server locations for GDPR compliance, and automatic file deletion. Convert.FAST processes files on encrypted EU servers and auto-deletes within 1 hour.
Option 3: Command Line (Automation)
For developers and power users, ImageMagick handles HEIC conversion from the command line. Install it via Chocolatey or download the Windows installer.
ImageMagick command for HEIC to JPG
magick convert input.heic -quality 90 output.jpgFor batch conversion of all HEIC files in a folder:
magick mogrify -format jpg -quality 90 *.heicBatch Convert Hundreds of HEIC Files
When you need to convert an entire iCloud Photo Library or a folder of vacation photos, file-by-file conversion isn't practical. Batch processing handles hundreds or thousands of files in a single operation.
The fastest approach for non-technical users is a dedicated batch converter. Drop your files, start the conversion, and download a ZIP of the results. No software installation required.
| Method | Best For | Files Per Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Photos | 1-5 files occasionally | 1 at a time |
| ImageMagick CLI | Developers, automation | Unlimited (local) |
| Convert.FAST | Quick bulk conversion | Up to 1000 |
Step-by-Step Batch Conversion
Convert multiple HEIC files at once
- Navigate to Convert.FAST HEIC to JPG.
- Drag and drop your HEIC files (up to 1000 at once).
- Wait for automatic processing—most batches complete in under 30 seconds.
- Download individual JPG files or a single ZIP archive.
Processing large batches
For iCloud libraries with thousands of photos, process in batches of 1000. A typical 5,000-photo library takes about 10 batches. The alternative—converting one file at a time in Photos—would take hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HEVC codec really free?
Yes. Microsoft offers a free version called "HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer" alongside the $0.99 consumer version. Both are functionally identical. Search the Microsoft Store for the free version first—it's the one that says "from Device Manufacturer" in the title.
Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce image quality?
Both HEIC and JPG are lossy formats, so converting involves re-compression. At high quality settings (85-95), the difference is imperceptible to most viewers. The trade-off is file size: JPG files are typically 40-50% larger than the original HEIC at equivalent visual quality.
Can I convert HEIC to PNG instead of JPG?
Yes. PNG is lossless, so you preserve all image data—but files will be 2-5x larger than HEIC. PNG makes sense for screenshots or images needing transparency. For photos, JPG is the better choice for file size. Convert.FAST supports HEIC to PNG conversion.
Why can't Windows just convert HEIC automatically when I share?
Windows doesn't include automatic format conversion because it would change your files without explicit consent. Apple's iOS does offer "Automatic" transfer mode that converts to JPG when sending to incompatible devices, but Windows treats your files as-is. You must explicitly convert before sharing.
Do I need to convert HEIC files to view them on Windows?
No. With the HEVC Video Extensions installed (free from Microsoft Store), Windows 11 displays HEIC files natively. You only need to convert when sharing with others, uploading to websites, or using software that doesn't support HEIC.
Convert.FAST handles everything from single files to batches of 1000. Get reliable JPG outputs for any workflow—fast, secure, and processed on encrypted EU servers with automatic file deletion.
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Stewart Celani
Founder
15+ years in enterprise infrastructure and web development. Stewart built Tools.FAST after repeatedly hitting the same problem at work: bulk file processing felt either slow, unreliable, or unsafe. Convert.FAST is the tool he wished existed—now available for anyone who needs to get through real workloads, quickly and safely.
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