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Windows 10 and HEIC Files

Anonymous
2019-02-17T21:30:38+00:00

Husband's iPhone is uploading both jpg and heic to the cloud. I save any of his family pics to my WIN 10 desktop. After research, it looks like HEIC is the winner for both quality AND size.  I don't want to keep saving both, but kind of scared to get rid of the jpgs.  Every article I see says Windows can not handle HEIC, yet my computer shows the icons in File Explorer AND opens the files.  I guess just looking for confirmation that it's OK to throw out the jpgs.  Thanks for any information and advice.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-17T21:41:39+00:00

    Hi, NolaMae,

    I am an Independent Advisor and will assist you.

    jpg format is more recognized than HEIC format. It is best to convert the HEIC format to .jpg.

    Example: If you have a blog the HEIC images may not be recognized. The jpg images will be.

    If you have the option to convert to .png try that since it does have a better quality than .jpg

    On iPhone go to Settings > Camera

    You will see two options

    High Efficiency

    Most Compatible

    Choose Most compatible

    This will save files as .jpg

    This tool is recommended for HEIC files on Windows. Read details on keeping HEIC rather than .jpg

    https://www.copytrans.net/copytransheic/

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. DaveM121 868K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-02-17T21:37:36+00:00

    Hi Nola, Windows 10 does natively support the HEIC file format, that was included in an update a while back as HEIC became a default standard, you have nothing to worry about . . .

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Vijay A. Verma 104.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-02-17T21:36:12+00:00

    Hi NolaMar ,

    I am Vijay, an Independent Advisor. I am here to work with you on this problem.

    HEIC image files in Windows 10 are supported through HEIF Image Extensions which can be installed from Microsoft Store.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/heif-image-ex...

    Do let me know if you require any further help on this. Will be glad to help you.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-18T18:32:46+00:00

    Thanks to all for the information.

    Just as a follow-up for anyone who is interested...  I have decided to keep both the HEIC and the JPGs for now. Last night I tried to upload two HEIC photos into Messenger, and it did not post the pics, just a download link. If Messenger does not even post HEIC photos, I imagine there are many sites that do not.   I purchased a cheap converter tool (.99) from the MS Store, but I'm not sold on it. I tested one picture, converting it to both a jpeg and a png. The png files are HUGE. Both converted images are kind of washed out (lower saturation and contrast)  compared to both the HEIC and the JPG that came from the iPhone.  I'll keep looking for a free or inexpensive app the does a little better job for the occasional conversions I need. 

    https://www.intowindows.com/5-ways-to-convert-heic-to-jpg-or-png-in-windows-10-8-7/

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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