Have you tried opening an iPhone photo on your Windows PC only to get an error or a blank screen? You’re not alone. Many iPhones save pictures in a newer format called HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container). While it keeps photos smaller without losing quality, some Windows setups don’t support HEIC right away. The good news: you have several easy options to view and use these images—without giving up your privacy.
Why some iPhone photos won’t open on Windows
Windows aims for broad compatibility, but it doesn’t include every media codec by default. To view HEIC in the built‑in Photos app, Microsoft provides an optional HEIF Image Extensions add‑on. If it isn’t installed—perhaps due to corporate restrictions or simply because you prefer not to add more components—Photos won’t open the file. That’s the moment many users search for “HEIC to JPG” and end up on sites that upload personal photos to a server.
Three safe paths to view your photos
1) Install Microsoft’s HEIF Image Extensions
This is the most direct approach if you want to keep your files as HEIC. Install the official extension from the Microsoft Store and most HEIC files will open in the Photos app. Pros: keeps originals intact and works system‑wide. Cons: not always allowed on work PCs, and you may still hit compatibility issues in older apps that don’t support HEIC.
2) Convert to JPG locally in your browser (private)
If you prefer maximum compatibility without installing anything, convert HEIC to JPG with heicfix.pro. It runs fully in your browser; no images are uploaded. Drag in your photos, choose JPG, and download. Because conversion happens on your computer, it’s fast, it works offline after the first load, and your personal pictures never touch a server.
3) Ask the iPhone to export as JPG
On many iPhones you can change the setting under Camera → Formats from “High Efficiency” to “Most Compatible.” New photos will save as JPG. You can also share from the Photos app using options that export a JPG copy. Pros: future‑proof for sharing; cons: larger file sizes and doesn’t change your existing HEICs.
When should you convert to JPG?
JPG is still the most accepted image format on the planet. If you want to email relatives, upload a profile picture, print at a local lab, or use photos in older desktop software, JPG just works. Converting makes photos instantly viewable across Windows versions, Android devices, TVs, and printers. If you already have an editing workflow that understands HEIC (e.g., modern Adobe or Affinity apps), you can keep the originals and convert only what you share.
Privacy matters—avoid unnecessary uploads
Many “free” converter sites upload your images to a remote server to process them. That means your personal moments are temporarily stored on someone else’s computer—often without a clear policy on retention. We believe privacy is the default. heicfix.pro converts on‑device using modern WebAssembly and JavaScript. Once the page loads, the app works even without an internet connection, and the photos never leave your PC.
Keeping dates and orientation (EXIF)
Photos carry useful metadata like date, time, camera model, and sometimes GPS location. Our converter can preserve essential EXIF fields when you choose JPG, so your pictures keep their original capture dates and correct orientation. You can toggle this behavior on or off depending on whether you intend to share publicly or archive privately.
Quick steps (private conversion)
- Open heicfix.pro in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
- Drag and drop one or more HEIC files, or click “Choose Files.”
- Pick JPG (default), adjust quality if you wish, and download.
That’s it. Whether you continue using HEIC in a modern workflow or you convert to JPG for guaranteed compatibility, you now have a safe, private, and fast way to open iPhone photos on any Windows PC.