Transfer Photos and Videos From iPhone to PC

Transfer photos and videos from an iPhone to a Windows PC using a USB cable, Windows’ Photos app, or iCloud Photos. Before you start, make sure the PC has enough free storage, the iPhone is unlocked, and you can approve the connection between the devices.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone and a Windows PC.
A compatible USB cable. Depending on the iPhone, this may have a Lightning or USB-C connector; the PC needs a matching port or suitable adapter.
For a wireless transfer, an internet connection, iCloud Photos enabled, and enough iCloud storage for your library.
Your iPhone passcode, and your Apple Account sign-in if you use iCloud for Windows or iCloud.com.

Step-by-Step

Choose a transfer method. Use USB for a direct copy that does not depend on iCloud space or internet speed. Use iCloud Photos if you want photos and videos to sync across devices. You can also download selected items from iCloud.com in a browser.
Connect the iPhone by USB. Unlock it, connect the cable to the PC, then keep the phone unlocked while Windows recognizes it. If prompted on the iPhone, tap Trust or Allow, and enter the passcode. Trust the PC only if it is one you control or are comfortable using.
Import with the Windows Photos app. Open Photos on the PC. Select Import, choose the connected iPhone as the source, and wait for the app to find available items. Select the photos and videos you want, check the destination folder if the app offers that choice, then start the import. Leave the iPhone connected until the process finishes.
Use File Explorer if you prefer to copy folders. Open File Explorer, select This PC, and open the iPhone, often listed as Apple iPhone. Open Internal Storage and then DCIM. Select the folders or files you want, copy them, and paste them into a folder on the PC, such as Pictures\iPhone Import. Do not cut or move the originals if you want to keep them on the phone.
For iCloud, turn on photo syncing. On the iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud and Photos. Turn on Sync this iPhone (wording may vary slightly by iOS version). Connect to Wi-Fi and power if the library is large; the first upload may take time. Check that the iPhone has enough iCloud storage.
Access iCloud photos on the PC. Install and open iCloud for Windows, sign in with the same Apple Account, and enable iCloud Photos. Use the iCloud Photos folder or its entry in File Explorer to view and download items; exact controls can vary by the installed version. Alternatively, sign in to iCloud.com in a browser, open Photos, select items, and choose Download. For a large library, downloading in batches can be more manageable.
Confirm the transfer before deleting anything. Open several copied files on the PC, including a video, and check that they play and look right. Compare the selected items or folders with the phone or iCloud. A successful copy does not automatically remove the original from the iPhone.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the iPhone locked: Windows may not be able to browse or import files until the phone is unlocked and trusted.
Unplugging too soon: Wait for the import or copy to finish. Interrupting it can leave an incomplete batch.
Assuming iCloud is a direct USB transfer: iCloud Photos uploads and syncs over the internet; it can take considerably longer than copying a few files by cable.
Deleting originals before checking copies: Confirm files open on the PC first. If iCloud Photos is enabled, deleting a synced item on one device may also delete it from iCloud and other synced devices.
Expecting every file to appear in DCIM: DCIM is useful for camera photos and videos, but content from some apps or cloud services may need to be saved or exported from the app that contains it.

Tips

Create a dated destination folder before importing, such as Pictures\iPhone\2026-11, to make later backups easier to find.
Transfer a small test batch first if you have many files. Check image quality, video playback, and whether the chosen format works with your PC software.
For a one-time transfer, USB is often simpler. For ongoing access across devices, iCloud Photos is more convenient, but it requires internet access and sufficient cloud storage.
Keep the iPhone connected to power and Wi-Fi during a large iCloud upload, and avoid relying on a mobile data connection unless your plan allows it.
HEIF/HEIC photos and some video formats may not open in every Windows app. If a file will not display, try an app that supports its format or change the iPhone camera format for future captures under Settings > Camera > Formats. This does not convert files already taken.

Troubleshooting

The PC does not detect the iPhone: Unlock the phone, reconnect the cable, and accept the Trust prompt. Try a different USB port or a cable known to support data transfer; some cables only charge. Restart both devices if needed. If Windows still does not recognize the phone, install available Windows updates and check for updates to Apple’s device software through the relevant Apple app or Microsoft Store.

The iPhone does not appear in Photos or File Explorer: Disconnect and reconnect it while unlocked. Confirm that you tapped Trust, then look under This PC in File Explorer. If the prompt does not reappear, check the iPhone’s trust settings under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset; resetting location and privacy settings can clear trusted-computer choices, so you will need to approve devices again.

Some photos or videos are missing: The originals may be in iCloud rather than fully stored on the phone, especially if Optimize iPhone Storage is enabled. Use iCloud Photos to download them, or ensure the phone can retrieve the originals before importing. Also check whether the missing items belong to an app rather than the camera library.

An import stops or files will not open: Check available PC storage, reconnect the phone, and retry in smaller batches. Keep the phone awake and connected. If a file copied but will not play, it may use a format your current Windows app does not support; try a compatible player or an appropriate format conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer photos from iPhone to PC without iTunes?
Yes. Use the Windows Photos app or File Explorer over USB, or download through iCloud for Windows or iCloud.com.

Does transferring delete photos from my iPhone?
No. Importing or copying normally leaves the originals on the phone. Deleting a photo afterward is a separate action, though iCloud syncing can make a deletion affect other synced devices.

Why does Windows show only some of my photos?
Some originals may be stored in iCloud, or the items may be held in another app. Check iCloud Photos and the app where the missing items were saved.

Can I transfer videos as well as photos?
Yes. The Photos app and DCIM folders can include videos. Allow extra time and storage for large video files, and test that copied videos play on the PC.

Do I need Wi-Fi to transfer over USB?
No. A USB copy works without Wi-Fi. Internet access is needed for iCloud transfers and downloads.

What if the iPhone uses a different photo format?
Windows may need an app or extension that supports the file format. You can also set the iPhone to use a more compatible format for future camera captures, but that setting does not change existing files.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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