CopyTrans HEIC Alternatives: Free Ways to Open and Convert HEIC on Windows (2026)
CopyTrans HEIC is one of the best-known tools for opening HEIC photos on Windows — it adds a codec so Windows Photo Viewer can display them, plus a right-click "Convert to JPEG" option. But it's free for personal use only (business use requires a license), Windows-only, and requires installing third-party software. Depending on what you need, one of these alternatives may fit better.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Price | Install needed | Batch convert | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CopyTrans HEIC | Free (personal use) | Yes | Right-click, up to 100 | Windows |
| iMazing HEIC Converter | Free | Yes | Yes (drag & drop) | Windows, Mac |
| Microsoft HEIF/HEVC codecs | Free + $0.99 | Yes (Store) | No (view only) | Windows 10/11 |
| OpenMyHEIC (online) | Free | No | Yes, unlimited ZIP | Any browser |
Option 1: OpenMyHEIC — no installation, works anywhere
If your goal is simply to get JPGs out of HEIC files, a browser-based converter is the fastest path — nothing to install, no admin rights needed (useful on work computers), and it works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks:
- Open the HEIC to JPG converter.
- Drag in your files — or a whole folder with the batch converter.
- Download individual JPGs or one ZIP.
Unlike most "online converters," OpenMyHEIC converts locally in your browser — your photos never leave your device, which also makes it fast (no upload wait) and private. It also outputs PNG, PDF, WebP, GIF, and BMP.
Best for: anyone who wants conversion without installing software; shared or locked-down PCs; occasional and bulk use alike.
Option 2: iMazing HEIC Converter — free desktop batch converter
iMazing HEIC Converter is a free, polished desktop app from the makers of the iMazing iPhone manager:
- Drag-and-drop batch conversion to JPEG or PNG.
- Keeps or strips EXIF metadata (your choice).
- Adjustable JPEG quality.
- Works on both Windows and Mac.
Limitations: it's a converter only — it doesn't make HEIC files viewable in Windows apps, and you need to install it.
Best for: regular offline batch converting on a computer you control.
Option 3: Microsoft's HEIF + HEVC codecs — native viewing, no conversion
If you want Windows itself to open HEIC files (in Photos and modern apps), install the codecs from the Microsoft Store:
- Install HEIF Image Extensions (free).
- Most iPhone photos also need HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99).
After that, HEIC thumbnails and previews work system-wide on Windows 10/11. No conversion happens — files stay HEIC, so uploads to websites that reject HEIC still fail. Full walkthrough: how to open HEIC files on Windows.
Best for: viewing HEIC natively in Windows without changing your files.
So which should you pick?
- Just need JPGs occasionally, or you're on a restricted PC → the online converter, nothing to install.
- Convert big folders offline regularly → iMazing HEIC Converter.
- Want Windows to simply display HEIC → Microsoft codecs (accept the $0.99 HEVC fee).
- Want right-click convert integrated into Explorer and don't mind the personal-use license → CopyTrans HEIC remains a fine choice.
And if the root problem is your iPhone producing HEIC in the first place, you can make it shoot JPG or transfer as JPG automatically.
FAQ
Is CopyTrans HEIC really free?
For personal, non-commercial use, yes. Using it on business machines requires a paid license — one reason companies often prefer web-based conversion with no installed software.
Does CopyTrans HEIC work on Windows 11?
Yes, though Windows 11 often handles HEIC natively once the HEIF Image Extensions are present, which makes the plugin redundant for pure viewing.
What's the safest online HEIC converter?
The safest architecture is one that doesn't upload your photos at all. OpenMyHEIC runs the conversion in your browser with JavaScript — files stay on your device end to end.
Can any of these convert HEIC to PDF?
OpenMyHEIC can: HEIC to PDF converts one or many photos into PDF pages directly in the browser.
Why are my photos HEIC in the first place?
Apple's default since iOS 11 — smaller files, same quality. Background: what is a HEIC file?