Can't transfer photos to PC in non-HEIC format

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Can't transfer photos to PC in non-HEIC format

I'm dealing with an iPhone 7 and an iPad Pro - both devices have photos inside the DCIM folder which I need to copy to my PC.

A known issue is that the transfer fails from the iOS device to Windows 10 shortly after the transfer is started. It basically just stops. The solution to this is to set Settings > Photos > Transfer to mac or PC > Keep Originals.

Now, the transfer to Windows 10 PCs works. Great. Don't know why it wouldn't anyway, but at least it works.

New problem then: The photos are transferred as HEIC format, not a format for PC viewing. I want JPEG.

Camera settings have now been changed to Formats > Most Compatible for future shots.

So the problem is that the only way transfers can work (by toggling on 'Keep Originals') causes images to be transferred in HEIC, which I don't want.

Question: How do I transfer images successfully from the DCIM folder via PC transfer that do NOT use the HEIC format?

Currently, I can't have it both ways.

This is not an update/disk space/cable issue: I've tried multiple IOS devices with multiple PCs - same problem.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 2nd Gen, Wi-Fi, Cell

Posted on Jul 7, 2022 12:14 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 8, 2022 5:54 PM in response to Plato-x

Copying from the DCIM folders is not a supported transfer method to Windows. It may or may not work, and isn’t all that reliable. And using it corrupts the photo database on the phone if you delete the photos in the process. This link described all of the supported ways→Copying personal photos and videos from iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer

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Answer 2

Jul 7, 2022 12:22 AM in response to Plato-x

Hi Plato-x,

actually is not possible to change the format of photo already taken while transferring them to PC, what I suggest you is to use a software to convert photos from .heic to .jpg. Here are some https://www.maketecheasier.com/convert-heic-jpg-windows10/

Let me know if this solves the problem for you!

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Answer 3

Jul 8, 2022 6:17 PM in response to Plato-x

There’s always Google photos or equivalent.

And you can convert them to jpg once they are transferred. There are many apps that can do this, and pretty much all photo management apps updated in the past few years support the HEIF/HEIC standard because it provides higher quality than jpg, yet it’s files are more compact.

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Answer 4

Plato-x Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2022 7:14 PM in response to Plato-x

FYI - HEIF extension for Microsoft Photos requires a paid MS account...Hassle after hassle with all these guys making things 'easy'.

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Answer 5

Plato-x Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2022 5:50 PM in response to turbosquirrel54

Hi turbosquirrel54

Apologies for the late reply - I had to deal with something urgent.

I appreciate your response. I see there are plugins for Windows to view HEIC format, that's good to know. I will install.

I just wanted to clarify one aspect of your comment: You said it's not possible to get the JPEGs of photos already taken with a different format preference. However, when I set the device to 'Automatic' in 'Photos > Transfer to PC or mac' and then attach to a PC and view the DCIM folder, all my photos are indeed in JPEG format. I can open/view no problem. But when I try to copy and paste them onto my PC, the transfer fails after a short time. The only way I can transfer photos off the device is by selecting 'Keep Originals', which changes them to HEIC.

Any idea why I can view all my photos as JPEG in the Apple device's DCIM folder via a PC but not transfer them off the Apple device?

Many thanks again.

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Answer 6

Plato-x Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2022 6:08 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thanks Lawrence, appreciate your fast reply.

RE those options:

iCloud is full, I don't have/want an Apple billing account at this time.
Don't have a Mac.
I very much wish to avoid installing iTunes on my PC again, because it is just horrible and usually doesn't work properly.

My experience is that everything is difficult with Apple - Case in point: simply getting JPEG photos off a phone or tablet. The forum response has been positive and helpful though, which is great.

With my Samsung phone, DCIM transfers work perfectly, no problemo. Easy and done.

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Answer 7

Plato-x Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 8, 2022 6:41 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Fair enough, understood, thanks.

As a side note, I think all options should be made to work just fine according to what the user requires, but the Apple tends to work in reverse.

I appreciate all the help to solve the problem though. Thanks.

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Can't transfer photos to PC in non-HEIC format

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