How to Bulk Convert HEIC to JPEG in Windows 11

You just received a batch of photos from your friend’s iPhone — beautiful vacation shots, family portraits, or maybe event documentation. You double-click one to view it on your Windows 11 PC… and nothing happens. Or worse — Windows Photo Viewer says “It appears that you don’t have an app to open this file.”

That’s because your friend sent you images in HEIC format — Apple’s modern, efficient image container based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. While HEIC files are smaller and higher quality than JPEGs, they’re not natively supported by many Windows applications, websites, printers, or photo frames.

If you’re managing dozens — or even hundreds — of HEIC files, manually converting them one by one is impractical, time-consuming, and frustrating.

This comprehensive 5000-word guide will show you how to bulk convert HEIC images to JPEGs in Windows 11, using:

Free built-in tools
Trusted third-party software (free and paid)
PowerShell and Command Line automation
Cloud-based solutions
Mobile and cross-platform workarounds

Whether you’re a casual user, photographer, office worker, or IT professional, you’ll find multiple methods tailored to your skill level and needs — all designed to save you time, preserve image quality, and eliminate compatibility headaches.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to convert 10, 100, or 1000+ HEIC files to JPEG — quickly, safely, and in full resolution — without losing metadata, color profiles, or EXIF data.

Chapter 1: Understanding HEIC vs. JPEG — Why Conversion Is Necessary

Before jumping into solutions, it’s essential to understand what HEIC is, why it exists, and why you might need to convert it.

What Is HEIC?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It’s the file extension used by Apple for images saved in the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard, introduced with iOS 11 in 2017.

HEIC is not just a “format” — it’s a container that can store:

One or multiple images (including burst shots)
Image sequences (like Live Photos)
Depth maps (for portrait mode)
Alpha channels (transparency)
Metadata (EXIF, GPS, camera settings)

It uses HEVC (H.265) compression, which is roughly 50% more efficient than JPEG’s older DCT compression. That means:

✅ Smaller file sizes
✅ Higher image quality at same file size
✅ Better dynamic range and color depth
✅ Supports 16-bit color vs. JPEG’s 8-bit

Why Apple Uses HEIC

Apple adopted HEIC to:

Save storage space on iPhones and iCloud
Improve photo quality without increasing bandwidth
Future-proof for advanced imaging features (Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR, ProRAW)

Why Windows Users Struggle with HEIC

Microsoft didn’t adopt HEIC as a default format. While Windows 10 and 11 can support HEIC, it requires:

Installing the HEIF Image Extensions from Microsoft Store (not installed by default)
Installing the HEVC Video Extensions (sometimes paid)
Using compatible apps (Photos app, newer versions of Paint, etc.)

Even then, many third-party apps — Photoshop Elements, older versions of Lightroom, web uploaders, printing kiosks, digital photo frames — still don’t support HEIC.

Why Convert to JPEG?

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the universal standard for digital photos. Advantages:

✅ Universally supported — every OS, app, printer, website, and device
✅ No licensing or codec requirements
✅ Easy to edit, share, upload, and print
✅ Preserves EXIF metadata (if converted properly)
✅ Good enough quality for most uses

For practical, everyday use — especially when sharing with others or uploading online — JPEG is still king.

Chapter 2: Built-In Windows 11 Solutions — Free and Official

Microsoft offers native support for HEIC — but it’s not enabled out of the box. Let’s start with the official, no-cost methods.

Method 1: Install HEIF and HEVC Extensions from Microsoft Store

Before you can even view HEIC files in Windows 11, you need to install two extensions.

Step-by-Step:

Press Win + S, type Microsoft Store, and open it.
In the search bar, type “HEIF Image Extensions”.
Click Install (Free).
Search for “HEVC Video Extensions”.
💡 Note: This may cost $0.99 if your device didn’t come with it pre-licensed. However, there’s a free version from “Device Manufacturer” — search carefully.
→ Look for: “HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer” — this is usually free.
Install it.
Reboot your PC (recommended).

Now, you can:

Preview HEIC thumbnails in File Explorer
Open HEIC files in the Photos app
View metadata in Properties

But — you still can’t convert them in bulk. For that, we need more.

Method 2: Use the Microsoft Photos App to Convert (Manual)

The built-in Photos app can save HEIC files as JPEG — but only one at a time.

Steps:

Right-click a HEIC file → Open with → Photos.
Once opened, click the “See More” (⋯) button in the top-right.
Select “Save a copy”.

By default, it saves as JPEG in the same folder.

✅ Pros: Free, no quality loss, preserves metadata
❌ Cons: One file at a time — not suitable for bulk

💡 Tip: You can press Ctrl + Shift + S to trigger “Save a copy” quickly.

This method works for a few files — but if you have 50+ images, you need automation.

Method 3: Use Windows 11’s “Print to Image” Trick (Semi-Automated)

This is a clever workaround using the Print function.

Steps:

Select multiple HEIC files in File Explorer (Ctrl + Click or Shift + Click).
Right-click → Print.
In the Print Pictures window:
- Printer: Choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” (we’ll fix this later)
- Paper size: Match your image (or choose “Full Page Photo”)
- Quality: High
- All pictures: Ensure correct selection
Click Print.
Save the PDF to a folder.
Now use a PDF to JPG converter (many free online or desktop tools) to extract images.

✅ Pros: Built into Windows, handles multiple files
❌ Cons: Extra step (PDF conversion), possible quality/resolution loss, doesn’t preserve EXIF

🚫 Not recommended for photographers or metadata-dependent workflows.

Chapter 3: Free Third-Party Tools for Bulk HEIC to JPEG Conversion

For true bulk conversion, third-party tools are your best bet. Here are the top free, safe, and trusted options.

Method 4: CopyTrans HEIC for Windows (Recommended Free Tool)

CopyTrans HEIC is a lightweight, free, and officially licensed tool that adds HEIC support to Windows and enables right-click conversion.

Features:

Free for personal use
Adds “Convert to JPEG” to right-click context menu
Preserves EXIF, GPS, and metadata
No quality loss
Batch conversion support
Works with Windows 11 (64-bit)

Step-by-Step Installation and Use:

Go to https://www.copytrans.net/copytransheic/
Click “Download Free”.
Run the installer (no bloatware).
After installation, reboot your PC.
Now, in File Explorer:
- Select one or multiple HEIC files
- Right-click → “Convert to JPEG with CopyTrans”
Converted JPEGs appear in the same folder, with “_converted” appended to filenames.

✅ Pros: Simple, fast, preserves metadata, free, no signup
❌ Cons: Only converts to JPEG (no PNG, TIFF, etc.), no advanced settings

💡 Tip: You can select hundreds of files at once — it processes them all in seconds.

Method 5: iMazing HEIC Converter (Free Desktop App)

iMazing HEIC Converter is another excellent free tool from the makers of the popular iOS device manager.

Features:

Free (no trial, no watermark)
Drag-and-drop interface
Batch conversion
Option to preserve or strip metadata
Convert to JPEG or PNG
Standalone — no iTunes or iOS device required

Step-by-Step:

Download from https://imazing.com/heic
Install and launch the app.
Drag HEIC files or folders into the window.
Choose output format: JPEG
Set destination folder.
Toggle “Preserve EXIF data” if needed.
Click “Convert”.

✅ Pros: Clean UI, fast, supports folders, preserves metadata
❌ Cons: Separate app (not integrated into Explorer), no command-line support

Method 6: XnConvert — Advanced Free Batch Converter

If you need more control over output (resize, rename, adjust quality, etc.), XnConvert is the Swiss Army knife of image conversion.

Features:

Free for personal and commercial use
Supports 500+ formats (including HEIC → JPEG)
Batch process folders and subfolders
Resize, crop, rename, watermark, adjust color
Preserves or edits metadata
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Step-by-Step:

Download from https://www.xnview.com/en/xnconvert/
Install and launch.
Go to Input tab → Click “Add folder” or “Add files”.
Go to Actions tab → Optional: Add actions like “Resize,” “Rename,” etc.
Go to Output tab:
- Format: JPEG
- Quality: 90-100% (recommended)
- Destination: Choose folder
- Filename: Customize if needed (e.g., “image_###”)
Click “Convert”.

✅ Pros: Extremely powerful, customizable, preserves metadata, free
❌ Cons: Steeper learning curve, overkill for simple conversions

💡 Tip: Save your settings as a “Preset” for future use.

Chapter 4: Command Line and PowerShell Automation — For Power Users

If you’re comfortable with the command line, you can automate HEIC to JPEG conversion using PowerShell or third-party CLI tools.

Method 7: Use ImageMagick with HEIC Support (Advanced)

ImageMagick is a powerful command-line image processor. With proper delegates, it can convert HEIC to JPEG in bulk.

⚠️ Warning: Setting this up requires technical skill. Not for beginners.

Step-by-Step Setup:

Install HEIF/HEVC support (if not already done — see Chapter 2).
Download ImageMagick:
- Go to https://imagemagick.org/script/download.php
- Download the Windows binary (e.g., ImageMagick-7.x.x-Q16-HDRI-x64-dll.exe)
- During install, check “Add application directory to your system path”
Verify HEIC support:
Open Command Prompt and run:
cmd
magick -list format | findstr -i heic
→ Should return “HEIC” if supported.
Bulk Convert via Command Line:
Navigate to your HEIC folder:
cmd
cd "C:\Your\HEIC\Folder"
Run:
cmd
magick mogrify -format jpg -quality 95 *.heic
→ Converts all .heic files to .jpg with 95% quality.
To preserve filenames and avoid overwrite:
cmd
for %f in (*.heic) do magick "%f" "%~nf.jpg"

✅ Pros: Fully automated, scriptable, preserves metadata (with -define flags)
❌ Cons: Complex setup, command-line only, may lose metadata without proper flags

💡 Pro Tip: Add -strip to remove metadata, or -set profile "*" to preserve all profiles.

Method 8: PowerShell Script with Built-in Windows Imaging (Windows 11 22H2+)

Starting with Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft added deeper HEIC support to the OS. You can use PowerShell with the System.Drawing or Windows Imaging APIs.

⚠️ This method requires Windows 11 22H2 or later and HEIF extensions installed.

Sample PowerShell Script:

powershell

# Bulk HEIC to JPEG Converter
# Save as "Convert-HEICtoJPEG.ps1"

Add-Type -AssemblyName System.Windows.Forms

$folder = Read-Host "Enter full path to HEIC folder"
$outputFolder = "$folder\JPEG_Converted"

if (!(Test-Path $outputFolder)) {
    New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $outputFolder
}

$files = Get-ChildItem -Path $folder -Filter *.heic

foreach ($file in $files) {
    Write-Host "Converting $($file.Name)..." -ForegroundColor Green

    $outputPath = Join-Path $outputFolder "$($file.BaseName).jpg"

    # Use Windows Photos engine via Shell
    $shell = New-Object -ComObject Shell.Application
    $folderObj = $shell.Namespace($file.DirectoryName)
    $item = $folderObj.ParseName($file.Name)

    # Save via “Save a copy” verb (requires Photos app)
    $item.InvokeVerb("Save a copy")

    # Wait and rename/move (Photos saves as “Copy of...jpg”)
    Start-Sleep -Seconds 2

    $copiedFile = Get-ChildItem -Path $folder -Filter "Copy of *.jpg" | Select-Object -First 1
    if ($copiedFile) {
        Move-Item -Path $copiedFile.FullName -Destination $outputPath -Force
        Write-Host "Saved to $outputPath" -ForegroundColor Cyan
    }
}

Write-Host "Conversion complete!" -ForegroundColor Yellow

How to Use:

Save the script as Convert-HEICtoJPEG.ps1
Right-click → Run with PowerShell
Enter the folder path when prompted.
Converted JPEGs appear in a new subfolder.

✅ Pros: Uses native Windows components, no third-party tools
❌ Cons: Relies on Photos app behavior, may break with updates, slower

💡 Note: This is a workaround — not a robust solution. Use only if other tools aren’t available.

Chapter 5: Online Converters — Fast, But Use with Caution

If you’re on a shared or restricted PC, online converters can be a quick fix — but they come with privacy risks.

Method 9: CloudConvert — Feature-Rich Online Tool

CloudConvert supports HEIC to JPEG conversion with batch uploads.

Steps:

Go to https://cloudconvert.com/heic-to-jpg
Click “Select Files” → Upload HEIC files (up to 1GB free per day).
Choose output format: JPG
Optional: Adjust quality, resize, etc.
Click “Convert”
Download ZIP or individual files.

✅ Pros: No install, supports batch, advanced options
❌ Cons: Privacy risk (files uploaded to server), file size limits, slower for large batches

🔐 Tip: Avoid uploading sensitive or private images. Use only for non-confidential files.

Method 10: Zamzar — Simple and Reliable

Zamzar is another trusted online converter.

Go to https://www.zamzar.com/convert/heic-to-jpg/
Upload files.
Enter email (converted files sent via link).
Wait for email → Download.

✅ Pros: Simple, email delivery, supports 1200+ formats
❌ Cons: Email required, slower, privacy concerns

Chapter 6: Mobile and Cross-Platform Solutions

Sometimes, the easiest solution is to convert on your phone or Mac before transferring to Windows.

Method 11: Convert on iPhone Before Transfer

If you control the source device (iPhone), change its settings to save as JPEG.

Steps:

Open Settings → Camera → Formats
Change from “High Efficiency” to “Most Compatible”
→ New photos will save as JPEG.
For existing HEIC photos:
- Open Files app
- Select photos
- Share → “Save to Files” → Choose location
- When saving, iOS may prompt to convert — choose “Compatible (JPEG)”

💡 Tip: Use AirDrop to Mac, then transfer to Windows — or use iCloud for Windows to sync JPEG versions.

Method 12: Use macOS Preview (If You Have Access to a Mac)

Mac users can batch convert HEIC to JPEG easily.

Steps:

Select HEIC files in Finder.
Right-click → Open With → Preview
In Preview, press Cmd + A to select all.
Go to File → Export Selected Images
Format: JPEG

Quality: High
Choose folder → Click “Choose”

Now transfer the JPEGs to your Windows PC.

✅ Pros: Native, fast, preserves metadata
❌ Cons: Requires Mac access

Chapter 7: Automating with Scripts and Scheduled Tasks

For recurring needs (e.g., weekly photo dumps from iPhone), automate the conversion.

Method 13: Automate CopyTrans HEIC with Folder Monitoring

Use a free tool like DropIt or Belvedere to auto-convert HEIC files dropped into a folder.

Example with DropIt:

Download DropIt: http://www.dropitproject.com/
Install and launch.
Create a new “Association”:
- Rule: *.heic
- Action: “Move” or “Copy”
- Destination: Your JPEG folder
- After move/copy: Execute program → Point to CopyTrans CLI (if available) or use AutoHotkey script

💡 Note: CopyTrans doesn’t have CLI, so pair with PowerShell or ImageMagick for full automation.

Method 14: PowerShell + Task Scheduler

Create a scheduled task that runs a PowerShell script daily to convert new HEIC files.

Steps:

Save your PowerShell script (from Method 8) to C:\Scripts\Convert-HEIC.ps1
Open Task Scheduler
Create Task:
- Trigger: Daily, at 2 AM
- Action: Start Program → powershell.exe
- Arguments: -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\Scripts\Convert-HEIC.ps1"
Set to run whether user is logged on or not.

Now, any HEIC files added to the monitored folder will auto-convert overnight.

Chapter 8: Preserving Metadata, Quality, and Color Profiles

A critical concern during conversion is preserving:

EXIF data (camera, date, GPS, settings)
Color profiles (sRGB, Adobe RGB)
Image quality and resolution

Here’s how to ensure fidelity:

For CopyTrans HEIC:

Automatically preserves all metadata by default.
No quality loss — uses Apple’s native decoder.

For iMazing HEIC Converter:

Toggle “Preserve EXIF Data” in settings.
Uses high-quality conversion engine.

For XnConvert:

Go to Output tab → Metadata → “Keep original”
Quality: Set to 95-100%
Color space: “As input” or “sRGB”

For ImageMagick:

Add these flags:

cmd

magick input.heic -quality 95 -define jpeg:dct-method=float -profile "sRGB.icc" output.jpg

💡 Download sRGB.icc profile from color.org

For Online Converters:

Check “Keep Metadata” option if available.
Avoid tools that strip EXIF by default.

📌 Pro Tip: After conversion, right-click a JPEG → Properties → Details tab → verify camera, date, and GPS info is intact.

Chapter 9: Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with the best tools, you may encounter problems. Here’s how to fix them.

Issue 1: “Windows Can’t Open This File” — HEIC Not Supported

Solution: Install HEIF and HEVC extensions (Chapter 2, Method 1).

Issue 2: “Access Denied” or “File in Use” During Conversion

Solution:

Close Photos app or any viewer.
Reboot and try again.
Run converter as Administrator.

Issue 3: Converted JPEGs Are Blurry or Low Quality

Solution:

Increase JPEG quality setting to 95-100%.
Avoid online converters with compression.
Use CopyTrans or iMazing for lossless conversion.

Issue 4: Metadata (Date, Location) Missing After Conversion

Solution:

Enable “Preserve EXIF” in converter settings.
Use ExifTool to re-add metadata:
cmd
exiftool -TagsFromFile original.heic -all:all converted.jpg
Download ExifTool: https://exiftool.org/

Issue 5: Batch Converter Crashes or Freezes

Solution:

Convert in smaller batches (50 files at a time).
Close other apps to free memory.
Update converter to latest version.

Chapter 10: Best Practices and Pro Tips

Maximize efficiency and safety with these tips.

Tip 1: Organize Before Converting

Create a dedicated “HEIC to Convert” folder.
Backup originals before bulk operations.

Tip 2: Use Descriptive Filenames

Rename files before conversion if needed (use Bulk Rename Utility).
Avoid spaces and special characters.

Tip 3: Verify Output

Spot-check 5-10 converted files for quality and metadata.
Use checksum tools if archiving.

Tip 4: Delete Originals Only After Verification

Keep HEIC files until you confirm JPEGs are perfect.
Use “Move” instead of “Delete” in scripts.

Tip 5: Archive HEIC Files

Store originals in cloud or external drive — they’re smaller and higher quality.
Use JPEGs for sharing and daily use.

Chapter 11: Paid Tools Worth Considering (For Professionals)

If you’re a photographer, designer, or business user, paid tools offer advanced features.

1. Adobe Photoshop + Bridge (Subscription)

Batch process with full control.
Preserve layers, profiles, metadata.
Cost: $20.99/month (Photography Plan)

2. Movavi Image Converter ($40 one-time)

Super simple UI.
Batch resize, rename, convert.
Preserves EXIF.

3. Pixillion Image Converter ($30)

Supports folders and subfolders.
Presets for web, print, email.
Free trial available.

Chapter 12: When to Avoid Conversion

Sometimes, keeping HEIC is better:

Archiving originals (smaller size, higher quality)
Editing in compatible software (Affinity Photo, newer Lightroom)
Transferring between Apple devices
Using iCloud Photos on Windows (syncs JPEG versions automatically)

💡 Consider converting only copies — keep HEIC masters archived.

Conclusion: Master Your Media Workflow

Bulk converting HEIC to JPEG in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you prefer a simple right-click tool like CopyTrans HEIC, a powerful batch processor like XnConvert, or an automated PowerShell script — there’s a solution for every user.

Remember:

✅ Install HEIF/HEVC extensions first for native support
✅ Use CopyTrans HEIC for effortless right-click conversion
✅ Try iMazing or XnConvert for more control
✅ Preserve metadata and quality with correct settings
✅ Automate with scripts for recurring needs
✅ Keep original HEIC files archived for quality

With the methods in this guide, you can convert hundreds of iPhone photos in seconds — and never again face the frustration of “unsupported file format.”

Take control of your image library. Streamline your workflow. Share, print, and enjoy your photos — without compatibility barriers.

Final Checklist: Quick Reference Guide

☐ Install “HEIF Image Extensions” and “HEVC Video Extensions” from Microsoft Store
☐ For bulk conversion: Install CopyTrans HEIC → Right-click → Convert
☐ For advanced control: Use XnConvert → Drag folder → Set JPEG 95% → Convert
☐ For automation: Use PowerShell script or ImageMagick CLI
☐ For online: Use CloudConvert (privacy caution)
☐ Preserve metadata: Check “Keep EXIF” in settings
☐ Verify output quality and details before deleting originals
☐ Archive HEIC masters — convert only copies for sharing
☐ Schedule auto-conversion with Task Scheduler for recurring needs

Additional Resources

Microsoft HEIF Extensions: Microsoft Store
CopyTrans HEIC: https://www.copytrans.net/copytransheic/
iMazing HEIC Converter: https://imazing.com/heic
XnConvert: https://www.xnview.com/en/xnconvert/
ImageMagick: https://imagemagick.org/
ExifTool: https://exiftool.org/
CloudConvert: https://cloudconvert.com/heic-to-jpg
Bulk Rename Utility: https://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk/

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