How to download all photos from iCloud (PC, Mac or iPhone)
iCloud.com only downloads 1,000 photos at a time. For a whole library, iCloud for Windows or Apple’s data copy is easier.
The fix
Windows PC: iCloud for Windows
- 1
Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.
- 2
Sign in and turn on Photos.
- 3
Open File Explorer › iCloud Photos, select all and choose Always keep on this device.
The fix
Any computer: iCloud.com
- 1
Go to icloud.com/photos and sign in.
- 2
Click the first photo, scroll, then Shift click to select up to 1,000.
- 3
Click Download and repeat for the next batch.
The fix
Whole library: request a copy
- 1
Go to privacy.apple.com and sign in.
- 2
Choose Request a copy of your data and tick iCloud Photos.
- 3
Pick a file size and wait for Apple’s email with the download links.
Frequently asked questions
Will downloading remove photos from iCloud?
No. Downloading makes a copy. Your photos stay in iCloud until you delete them.
Why are my downloaded photos HEIC files?
That is the iPhone’s photo format. Windows 11 opens it with the free HEIF extension, or choose Most Compatible when downloading.
Related guides
Back up your Android phone
Back up your Android phone to Google with Google One, back up photos with Google Photos, or use Samsung Cloud, Smart Switch or a computer. Step by step.
Block a number on Android
Block a number on your Android phone from Recents or Phone settings on Samsung and Pixel. Also how to block texts, add a number by hand and unblock later.