How to Convert HEIC Photos to JPG or PNG on Windows and Mac Without Extra Software

Since iOS 11, Apple devices capture photographs by default in HEIF/HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format). HEIC cuts file sizes nearly in half compared to traditional JPEG files while preserving superior 10-bit color depth. However, when you transfer these photos to a Windows PC, web portal, or legacy graphic editing app, you are often greeted with an annoying "Unsupported File Format" error.

Here is how you can batch convert HEIC photos to JPG or PNG on Windows and Mac without paying for commercial conversion utilities.

Method 1: Convert HEIC to JPG in Windows 11 Using Microsoft Photos

Windows 11 includes built-in conversion right inside the default Photos application:

1. Double-click the .HEIC file to open it in Microsoft Photos. (If prompted, install the free HEIF Image Extensions package from the Microsoft Store).
2. Click the Three Dots Menu (...) on the top toolbar or press Ctrl + S.
3. Select Save As.
4. In the Save as type dropdown menu, choose .JPG or .PNG.
5. Choose your target folder and click Save.

Method 2: Batch Convert Multiple HEIC Photos on Mac Using Finder Quick Actions

macOS provides a lightning-fast native batch converter that handles hundreds of photos in under 5 seconds:

1. Open Finder and select all the HEIC photos you wish to convert (use Cmd + Click or Cmd + A).
2. Right-click (or Control-click) on the highlighted files.
3. Hover over Quick Actions and click Convert Image.
4. Configure your export settings:

• Format: Select JPEG or PNG.
• Image Size: Choose Actual Size to maintain full resolution.
• Check Preserve Metadata to keep EXIF date, GPS location, and camera parameters.

1. Click Convert to JPEG. Finder generates clean JPEG copies in the same directory instantly.

Method 3: Change iPhone Settings to Always Shoot in Compatible JPG

If you frequently transfer photos to non-Apple devices, you can configure your iPhone camera to shoot directly in standard JPEG:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Tap Formats.
4. Switch from High Efficiency to Most Compatible.
5. All future photos taken with the Camera app will be stored directly as standard .JPG files.