Export iPhone Photos to Windows Without HEIC

7 min readiPhone → Windows

Force JPG on export/import so your photos open everywhere on Windows without extra codecs.

Set iPhone to “Most Compatible”

  1. Open Settings → Camera → Formats.
  2. Select Most Compatible (saves new photos as JPG/H.264).
  3. Existing HEIC photos remain HEIC until converted.

USB transfer setting

  1. Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC.
  2. Choose Automatic (iOS converts to JPG on the fly).
  3. If quality matters, keep originals and convert later for control.

Windows options

  • Install HEIF/HEIC extensions from Microsoft Store if you need to open HEIC.
  • Use Photos app import; with Automatic set, many images land as JPG.
  • For folders of HEICs, batch-convert to JPG for universal compatibility.

Need quick conversion to JPG?

Drag-and-drop in the browser. No install needed.