How to transfer photos from iPhone to a Windows PC
A USB cable and the Windows Photos app is the quickest way to copy your whole library. Here is how, plus the fix for photos Windows cannot open.
The fix
Method 1: USB cable and the Windows Photos app
- 1
Connect the iPhone to your PC with a USB cable.
- 2
Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust This Computer.
Enter your passcode if asked. Without this, Windows cannot see your photos.
- 3
Open the Photos app on Windows.
- 4
Click Import, then choose your iPhone from the list.
- 5
Select what to copy and click Add.
You can pick everything, or only photos since your last import. Choose the destination folder before confirming.
The fix
Method 2: copy files with File Explorer
Useful if you prefer to drag and drop folders yourself.
- 1
Connect and unlock the iPhone, then tap Trust.
- 2
Open File Explorer and click This PC.
- 3
Open Apple iPhone › Internal Storage › DCIM.
- 4
Copy the folders inside DCIM to a folder on your PC.
The fix
Method 3: iCloud, without a cable
- 1
On the iPhone, turn on Settings › Photos › iCloud Photos.
- 2
On the PC, install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.
- 3
Sign in with your Apple Account and turn on Photos.
- 4
Your photos appear in the iCloud Photos folder in File Explorer.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my PC not see my iPhone?
Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust when asked. If the prompt never appears, try another cable or USB port, and install Apple Devices (or iTunes) from the Microsoft Store so Windows has the right drivers.
Can I transfer photos without a cable?
Yes. Turn on iCloud Photos on your iPhone, then sign in at icloud.com or install the iCloud for Windows app. Your photos download to the PC over the internet.
What to try next
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