If you’ve ever tried opening photos from an iPhone on a Windows computer, you’ve probably run into the same issue:
the files just won’t open.
This usually happens because modern iPhones save images in HEIC format, which Windows still doesn’t handle very well by default. Even in 2025, this small incompatibility can break simple workflows like sharing photos, uploading files, or editing images.
What Is HEIC, and Why Is It Everywhere?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) was introduced by Apple to save storage space while keeping image quality high.
From Apple’s perspective, it makes sense — smaller files, better compression.
The problem is that many platforms and tools still expect PNG or JPG.
So when you move photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC, you suddenly can’t:
- Preview images quickly
- Upload them to websites
- Open them in basic image editors
Why Installing Codecs Isn’t Always the Best Option
Windows does offer HEIC extensions, but they come with downsides:
- They don’t always work consistently
- Some systems block installations
- They don’t help when you just need to convert a few images fast
If you only need your photos in a universal format like PNG, installing extra software often feels like overkill.
A Simpler Way: Convert HEIC to PNG Online
For quick tasks, converting the files is usually the easiest solution.
I usually just use a simple online converter like
https://heictopng.net
when I need to turn HEIC photos into PNG without installing anything.
It’s straightforward:
- Upload the HEIC file
- Convert it
- Download a PNG that works everywhere
PNG files open smoothly on Windows, are easy to share, and don’t cause compatibility issues.
When Does Converting to PNG Make Sense?
Converting HEIC to PNG is especially useful if you:
- Need to upload images to websites that don’t accept HEIC
- Want files that open instantly on any device
- Are working on Windows or Linux systems
- Don’t want to install additional software
For everyday tasks, the simplicity often matters more than the original format.
Final Thoughts
HEIC isn’t a bad format — it’s just not universally supported yet.
Until that changes, converting files remains the most practical workaround.
If you frequently deal with iPhone photos on non-Apple devices, having a quick way to convert them can save a lot of time and frustration.
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