What to Do if You Can’t Transfer Photos From iPhone to Windows PC (2024)

Transferring photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC should be a straightforward process, but sometimes it can turn into a surprising challenge. In the digital age, where photos often hold precious memories or important information, being unable to transfer them can cause significant inconvenience. Whether you’re looking to back up your photos, free up space on your iPhone, or simply want to view your images on a larger screen, encountering obstacles in this process can be frustrating.

Our Phones Are Our Cameras!

iPhones have become the camera of choice for countless users, capturing a staggering number of photos each year. This has led to rapidly expanding photo libraries on our devices.

To manage this, regularly transferring photos from the iPhone is crucial. It not only frees up storage space but also serves as a backup for these valuable memories. There are several methods to transfer photos: using iCloud Photo Library, sharing on social media, creating iPhone backups, or importing pictures to a Mac or PC.

However, transferring photos to a PC can be problematic due to compatibility issues between Apple and Windows systems. It’s not uncommon for users, even those with prior seamless experience, to suddenly face difficulties in transferring photos from their iPhone to a PC.

This situation is understandably frustrating, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive solution. Our guide begins with the proper procedure for transferring photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC. Even if you’re a veteran at this process, it’s crucial to follow these steps precisely, as any deviation might lead to further complications with your devices.

How To Transfer Photos From iPhone to a Windows Computer

From using traditional USB cables to leveraging cloud services or even utilizing built-in Windows features, we’ll cover a range of techniques to suit your preferences and technical comfort. So, let’s dive into the world of seamless photo transferring and make sure your precious memories are easily accessible on your Windows computer.

Why Can’t You Copy Photos From iPhone to Windows? Check These Settings First

Make sure that you have thelatest version ofiTuneson your Windows PC. Importing photos requires iTunes 12.5.1 or later
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock >and temporarily change this toNever
Keep the iPhone plugged into the computer–do not unplug EVER, even if it looks like nothing’s happening
Change Your iPhone’s Photo Setting to Download and Keep OriginalsversusOptimize iPhone Storage
If you have iCloud Photos turned on, you need to download the original, full-resolution versions of your photos to your iPhone before you import to your PC
If you’ve turned on iCloud Photo Library and selected Optimize iPhone Storage, then your phone may not store your full-resolution photos in the Photos App–but rather have lower-resolution versions only

Plug In Your iPhone and Use iTunes

Although the iTunes app is no longer available for macOS Catalina and later versions, it remains accessible for Windows users. This allows for file transfers between your iPhone and a Windows PC. Here’s the process for transferring files:

Plug your iPhone into your Windows PC.
1. This can be done using either a USB cable or through Wi-Fi Sync if you’ve previously connected these devices together.
In iTunes on the PC, click the iPhone button in the top left-hand corner.
ClickFile Sharing,select an app from the list, and then do the following:
1. Select the file that you want to transfer, and click“SaveTo“. Then, choose where you want to save the file and click“Save To”.

It’s also important to note that transferring files from your Windows PC to your iPhone via iTunes is possible. The process involves similar steps: simply click on Add, select the desired file for transfer, and then click Add once again.

iCloud Photos with Windows 11

Microsoft has updated its built-in Photos app to include proper support for iCloud Photos. This finally gives those who use an iPhone and a Windows computer the ability to view photos without needing to jump through a bunch of hoops. But in order to take full advantage of what Microsoft and Apple are offering, you’ll first need to get everything updated, downloaded, and set up. Here’s how to use iCloud Photos on Windows 11:

Make sure that the Microsoft Photosapp is updated to the latest version within the Microsoft Store.
- Download/update Microsoft Photos
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Once updated, open the new and updated Microsoft Photos app.
In the sidebar, clickiCloud Photos.
Click theGet iCloud for Windowsbutton that appears on the right side.
When prompted, click theInstallbutton to install iCloud for Windows.
Once installed, click theOpenbutton.
Log into your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password.
Click theSign Inbutton.
Verify your account using your iPhone or another Apple device if you have multi-factor authentication enabled.
After you are logged in, make sure that the checkbox next toPhotosis checked.
Click theApplybutton in the bottom right corner.
Determine whether you want to send diagnostic data to Apple.

After you get everything set up, any photos or videos that you take on your iPhone or iPad will automatically appear in the iCloud Photos section within the Microsoft Photos app. It’s not all that different from using the Photos app on the Mac, with the obvious exception being that this is built into Windows 11 and also offers the ability to view your OneDrive library from the same application.

Transfer Photos With Intel Unison

Easily one of the most frustrating aspects of using an iPhone with a Windows PC has been when you try to transfer files between your devices. When it comes to using an iPhone and a Mac, this obviously isn’t as much of an issue, as you can simply use AirDrop, but this is not available on Windows.

Intel Unison solves this problem, providing an AirDrop-like experience, and it’s not even a “one way only” approach. If you want to send filesfromyour iPhone to your Windows PC, here’s how:

Open the Intel Unison app on both your iPhone and Windows PC.
From your iPhone, tap theReceivedtab at the top of the app.
In the bottom right corner, tap theSendbutton.
Select one of the following:
- Files
- Gallery
- Use Camera
Choose a file, document, image, or snap a picture based on the selection that you made.

If you’re simply transferring pictures from your iPhone’s camera gallery, you don’t actually need to manually transfer them. That’s because you can access your iPhone’s gallery right from the Unison app on your Windows PC. Just click theGallerybutton in the sidebar, and you’ll be presented with your iPhone’s entire photo library.

Tap any of the images or videos within the Gallery tab of the Intel Unison app on your Windows PC, and you’ll be able to view them in their full size. Then, you’ll see a variety of options to transfer photos from your iPhone.

Transfer iPhone Photos Using Windows 10:

Connect your iPhone to the PC using a USB cable
Unlock your iPhone.
If prompted, tap to Trust This Computer on the iPhone
On your PC, open the Photos app
Select Import > From a USB Device
Follow the on-screen instructions to select and save your photos

Transfer iPhone or iPad Pictures Using Windows 8:

Connect your iPhone to the PC using a USB cable
Unlock your iPhone.
If prompted, tap to Trust This Computer on the iPhone
On your PC, open the Photos app
Swipe up or right-click and select Import
Select your iPhone from the available devices
Choose which photos you want and choose Import

Transfer iPhone Photos Using Windows 7:

Connect your iPhone to the PC using a USB cable
Unlock your iPhone.
If prompted, tap to Trust This Computer on the iPhone
If prompted, click Import pictures and videos using Windows
Otherwise, go to My Computer > Right-click your iPhone > Click Import pictures and videos
Click Import

Still Not Working? Enable Home Sharing

If you’re struggling to transfer photos from your iPhone to your PC, enabling Home Sharing might be the solution you need. This feature, available through iTunes, allows for seamless sharing of media files, including photos, across devices on the same network. Here’s a guide to get you started:

Step 1: Set Up Home Sharing on Your iPhone

Firstly, ensure your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then, on your iPhone, go to ‘Settings’, select ‘Music’ or ‘Videos’, and sign in with your Apple ID under ‘Home Sharing’. This ID should be the same one used on iTunes on your PC.

Step 2: Activate Home Sharing on iTunes

Open iTunes on your PC. Go to ‘File’ > ‘Home Sharing’ and choose ‘Turn On Home Sharing’. Sign in with the same Apple ID used on your iPhone. This links your PC to your iPhone for media sharing.

Step 3: Accessing Photos via iTunes

Once Home Sharing is enabled on both devices, open iTunes on your PC. Look for a ‘Shared’ option, which should now display your iPhone. Click on it to access your iPhone’s photo library. From here, you can browse and select the photos you wish to transfer.

Step 4: Transferring Photos to Your PC

Select the photos you want to transfer, then drag and drop them into a folder on your PC, or right-click and select ‘Save to My Computer’. The photos will be copied to your chosen location.

By enabling Home Sharing, you bypass the need for physical connections or complicated settings, making the process of transferring photos from your iPhone to your PC straightforward and hassle-free.

How to Import Photos From iPhone to PC if Autoplay Does Not Appear

Transferring photos from your iPhone to your PC can sometimes be challenging, especially if the Autoplay feature doesn’t work as expected. Fortunately, there are several other methods you can use to import your photos.

Open the Control Panel app on your Windows PC.
ClickHardware and Sound.
ClickAutoPlay.
At the top of the page, tap the checkbox next toUse AutoPlay for all media and devices.
In the bottom right corner of the window, click theSavebutton.

What to Do if You Can’t Transfer Photos From iPhone to Windows PC (5)

Troubleshooting Suggestions

Whether it’s dealing with connectivity issues, software glitches, or compatibility hurdles, we understand the importance of ensuring a smooth transfer of your valuable memories and moments. This guide aims to arm you with a set of effective strategies and steps to diagnose and overcome these challenges. From simple quick fixes to more in-depth technical solutions, we’ll help you navigate through the complexities and get your photo transfer back on track.

Update Your Software

If you’re struggling with transferring photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC, one often overlooked yet crucial factor to consider is the software on both your devices. In this section of the article, we delve into how keeping your software up to date plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transfer process. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues, bugs, and other obstacles that hinder photo transfers.

Update Your iPhone

Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone or iPad.
TapGeneral.
TapSoftware Update.
Wait a moment for your iPhone or iPad to check the server for an update.
If an update is available, tap theDownload & Installbutton.

Update Your Windows PC

Open the Settings app on your Windows PC
In the sidebar on the left, clickWindows Update.
On the right side of the app, click theCheck for updatesbutton.
Wait for your PC to finish checking for updates.
If any updates are available, click theDownload and Installbutton.
After the updates are finished installing, restart your PC.

Update iTunes on PC

Open the iTunes app on your Windows PC.
In the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, click theHelpbutton.
From the drop-down menu that appears, highlight and select Check for Updates.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install the latest version.

Ensure Your iPhone is Unlocked

Due to security protocols, your iPhone might ask for authorization prior to transferring any images. It’s essential to keep your device unlocked and active during transfer attempts.

Regularly touch the screen of your iPhone to prevent it from going to sleep. Additionally, watch for any permission requests that may pop up during the process.

Reset Your Trusted Devices

Several users have reported that launching the Photos app on their iPhone prompted a permission dialog, enabling the transfer process. Remember, if you don’t choose to ‘Trust’ your PC, it will be unable to access the storage of your phone, including the DCIM folder in your Photo App.

In the event that you dismissed or ignored the “Trust This Computer” prompt, here’s how you can reset your Trusted Devices:

Unplug your iPhone from your Windows PC.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
TapGeneral.
Swipe to the bottom of the page and tapTransfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap theResetbutton.
From the pop-up menu that appears, tap theReset Location & Privacybutton.
When prompted, enter your iPhone’s passcode to confirm.

Test the USB Cable and Ports

Transferring photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC is usually a smooth process, but sometimes issues can arise. One common problem is related to the USB connection. If you’re facing difficulties in transferring photos, it’s crucial to check the USB cable and ports as your first line of troubleshooting.

Carefully inspect the entire length of the USB cable for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Even small fractures or exposed wires can disrupt the connection. If possible, use a different USB cable to connect your iPhone to the PC. Preferably, use an original Apple cable or a certified third-party cable.

Sometimes, the issue might be with the USB port on your PC. Try connecting your iPhone to a different USB port. Dust and debris in the USB ports can prevent a proper connection. Gently clean the ports with compressed air or a soft brush. Ensure the USB ports on your PC are functioning correctly. You can test this by connecting other devices, like a USB drive or a different phone, to see if they are recognized.

Turn Off iCloud Photo Library

iCloud Photo Library is a fantastic tool for syncing and storing your photos across Apple devices. However, there might be times when you want to turn it off, either to save iCloud storage space or for other personal reasons. Disabling iCloud Photo Library requires a few careful steps to ensure your photos and videos are secure.

Backup Your Photos and VideosBefore proceeding, it’s critical to back up your photos and videos. Remember, photos and videos stored in iCloud will be deleted 30 days after you turn off iCloud Photo Library.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap [Your Name] at the top of the page.
In the second section, tapiCloud.
Under theApps Using iCloudsection, tapPhotos.
Tap the toggle next toSync this iPhoneto theOffposition.

If you want to turn off iCloud Photo Library for any devices that are signed in with your Apple ID, here’s how you can do so.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap [Your Name] at the top of the page.
In the second section, tapiCloud.
At the top of the page, tapManage Account Storage.
SelectiCloud Photosfrom the list.
Tap theTurn Off and Delete from iCloudbutton.

If you change your mind, follow these steps on your device then select Undo Delete.

Try Downloading iCloud for Windows

iCloud for Windows is a software application developed by Apple Inc., designed to allow users of Microsoft Windows operating systems to access and manage their iCloud account and the data stored within it. This bridges the gap between the predominantly Apple-based ecosystem of iCloud and the vast number of users who run Windows on their desktops or laptops.

With iCloud for Windows installed on a PC, users can synchronize their photos, videos, mail, calendar, and other important data between their Apple devices and their Windows computer. For example, photos taken on an iPhone can be automatically synced and made available on a Windows PC, and bookmarks created in Safari on a Mac can be accessed through a browser on a Windows machine.

If you want to learn more about using iCloud for Windows, check out our in-depth explainer article at the link below.

How to Use iCloud for Windows

Follow these steps to get iCloud Photos on Your Windows PC

Enable iCloud Photo Library on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
- Settings > Apple ID Profile > iCloud > Photos
- Turn on iCloud Photo Library
- Choose Download and Keep Originals
Download iCloud for Windows
Open iCloud for Windows
Next to Photos, click Options
Select iCloud Photos
Click Done, then click Apply

Some iPhone Photos Not Visible While Transferring to Windows?

Transferring photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC should be a straightforward process, but sometimes you might encounter an issue where some photos are not visible or accessible during the transfer. This problem can be perplexing, but there are several possible explanations and solutions.

1. Check Photo Format Compatibility

Understand HEIC Format:iPhones use the High-Efficiency Image File Format (HEIC) for photos, which might not be natively supported on some Windows PCs.
Convert to Compatible Format:You can set your iPhone to automatically convert photos to a more compatible format (JPEG) when transferring to a PC. Go to Settings > Photos and select ‘Automatic’ under ‘Transfer to Mac or PC’.

2. Examine Storage Optimization on iPhone

Storage Optimization Feature:iPhones have a feature that optimizes storage by storing full-resolution photos in iCloud and keeping only low-resolution versions on the device.
Disable Optimization:To disable this, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, and select ‘Download and Keep Originals’.

3. Try Alternative Transfer Methods

Use Different Transfer Methods:If direct transfer via USB is not working, consider using cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Photos to transfer your images.
Windows Photos App:You can also use the Windows Photos app to import photos from your iPhone.

If some iPhone photos are not visible during transfer to Windows, it’s often due to compatibility issues, iCloud settings, or storage optimization features. By adjusting these settings, updating software, and trying alternative transfer methods, you can usually resolve this issue and ensure all your photos are successfully transferred to your Windows PC.

Importing from Newer iPhone Models and Windows 10

On newer iPhones, sometimes importing via the Windows 10 Photos App causes issues.

Not exactly sure why. One way to bypass the problem is not to use the Photos application of Windows 10 and instead try doing it manually through Windows File Explorer

Transfer iPhone Pictures to a Windows Computer using Windows File Explorer

Plug your device into your computer
Launch Windows Explorer from the start menu
Click the arrow next to This PC
Tap on your device’s name
Open Internal Storage
Choose DCIM
Open any folder
Select an image or hold the Control Key to select multiple images
Tap Copy to at the top of the window
Select Choose Location and locate a folder to save pictures to
Tap Copy to save those images to that location

Select your pictures, copy and paste them into a new folder in Pictures.

You can also right-click on the iPhone in File Explorer and try the Import Pictures and Videos Optionto see if that works for you.

Seeing “Device Is Unreachable” Error Message When Trying to Import Media From iPhone to Windows?

If you’re encountering the “Device Is Unreachable” error while attempting to transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your Windows PC, consider modifying the settings on your Apple device related to how it handles the transfer of photos and other media.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Swipe down and tapPhotos.
Swipe all the way to the bottom of the page until you reach theTransfer to Mac or PCsection.
TapKeep Originals.

Wrap-Up

Navigating the complexities of transferring photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC can sometimes be more challenging than expected. However, with the right techniques and understanding of common issues, this process can be made seamless. In this article, we’ve explored a range of solutions to tackle the problem, ensuring that you can successfully move your photos across devices.

Whether it was a matter of updating software, adjusting settings, or using alternative transfer methods, these solutions are designed to cover a variety of scenarios you might encounter. Remember, technology is meant to simplify our lives, not complicate them. With these tools and tips, you should now be able to effortlessly bridge the gap between your iPhone and Windows PC, making photo transfers a breeze. If you continue to face issues, don’t hesitate to seek further technical support, ensuring your digital memories are easily accessible across all your devices.

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Dan Helyer

Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.