iPhone Photos Won't Open on Windows? Here's the Fix
iPhone HEIC photos often won't open on Windows. Learn why, and three quick ways to view or convert them so they work everywhere.
Why iPhone Photos Won't Open
Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos in HEIC format by default. HEIC produces great quality at about half the file size of JPG — but Windows doesn't support it out of the box. When you transfer iPhone photos to a Windows PC, they may show as blank icons or refuse to open.
This is one of the most common frustrations for people who use an iPhone but a Windows computer.
Fix 1: Convert HEIC to JPG (Recommended)
The cleanest solution is to convert the photos to JPG, which opens on everything:
1. Go to Breklo's HEIC to JPG converter
2. Drop your HEIC files onto the page (you can do many at once)
3. Click convert
4. Download the JPG files
The conversion happens in your browser, so your photos never upload anywhere. The JPGs open instantly on Windows, Android, and any photo app.
Fix 2: Install the HEIF Extension on Windows
Windows can open HEIC files if you install a codec:
1. Open the Microsoft Store
2. Search for HEIF Image Extensions
3. Install it (it's free)
After this, the Windows Photos app can open HEIC files. The downside: you'll need to do this on every Windows PC, and some older apps still won't read HEIC.
Fix 3: Change Your iPhone to Save JPG
To avoid the problem entirely going forward:
1. On your iPhone, open Settings
2. Tap Camera → Formats
3. Select Most Compatible
Your iPhone will now save new photos as JPG instead of HEIC. Note this only affects future photos, not existing ones.
Which Fix Is Best?
| Situation | Best fix |
|---|---|
| Photos you already have | Convert to JPG |
| Want Windows to open HEIC natively | Install HEIF extension |
| Prevent the problem forever | Change iPhone to JPG |
For photos you need right now, converting to JPG is the fastest and most reliable.
Bonus: Turn Photos Into a PDF
If you're sending photos for a document (like receipts or ID scans), consider converting them straight to PDF instead. One PDF is easier to share than a dozen image files, and it opens on every device.
Try these free tools
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my iPhone photos open on Windows?
iPhones save photos in HEIC format, which Windows doesn't support by default. You need to either convert the photos to JPG or install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
How do I convert iPhone photos to JPG?
Use a free converter like Breklo's HEIC to JPG tool. Drop your HEIC files in, convert, and download JPGs that open on any device. It works in your browser with no upload.
Is there a way to make my iPhone stop saving HEIC?
Yes. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats and select Most Compatible. New photos will save as JPG, though existing HEIC photos stay as they are.
Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?
There's a tiny quality reduction since JPG is lossy, but at high quality settings it's invisible in normal viewing. HEIC photos are high quality, so the JPG looks excellent.
Can I convert many iPhone photos at once?
Yes. Breklo's HEIC to JPG converter accepts batches, so you can convert an entire camera roll in one go.