How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 14, 2025

Do you have hundreds (or thousands) of photos sitting on your iPhone that you’d love to move to your computer? Whether you’re freeing up space, backing up memories, or editing images on a bigger screen, transferring photos from your iPhone to a Windows 10 PC is easier than you might think.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer photos from iPhone to PC Windows 10 using multiple methods — from the Photos app and File Explorer to iCloud and third-party tools.

By the end, you’ll know every reliable way to move your pictures quickly and safely.

Why Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC?

iPhones capture stunning, high-resolution photos — but that quality comes at a cost: storage space.

Here’s why moving your photos to a computer is smart:

Reason Benefit
Free up space Keeps your iPhone running smoothly
Backup memories Prevents data loss if your phone is damaged
Edit on PC Access powerful editing tools
Easier sharing Upload or organize on external drives
Save to cloud or USB Create long-term storage copies

⚙️ Things to Check Before You Start

Before transferring, make sure everything’s ready:

  • ✅ Update iTunes to the latest version (even if you don’t plan to use it).

  • ✅ Install iPhone drivers (Windows will do this automatically when connected).

  • ✅ Unlock your iPhone and tap Trust This Computer if prompted.

  • ✅ Use the original Lightning cable for reliable connection.

  • ✅ Charge both devices to avoid interruptions.

Once that’s set, you’re ready to begin.

🖼️ How to Transfer Photos Using the Photos App (Easiest Method)

This is the most common and beginner-friendly way to move pictures from iPhone to PC.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a Lightning-to-USB cable.

  2. Unlock your iPhone and tap Trust This Computer → Allow Access.

  3. On your PC, open the Photos app (search “Photos” in the Start menu).

  4. Click Import → From a USB device.

  5. Wait for Windows to detect your iPhone.

  6. Choose the photos you want to import.

  7. Select Import Selected or Import All to transfer.

💡 Pro Tip:
You can click Import Settings to change the destination folder — by default, photos go to your Pictures folder.

📂 How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC Using File Explorer

If you prefer a manual method, File Explorer works great.

Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB.

  2. Unlock your iPhone → tap Trust This Computer.

  3. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

  4. Under This PC, select your iPhone → double-click to open it.

  5. Go to:

    Internal Storage > DCIM

  6. You’ll see folders like 100APPLE, 101APPLE, etc.

  7. Copy and paste the desired photos to your PC.

✅ Tip: You can select all (Ctrl + A) or specific folders to save time.

☁️ How to Transfer Photos via iCloud Photos

If you prefer wireless transfers, iCloud Photos is your best friend.

Step 1: Enable iCloud Photos on Your iPhone

  1. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Photos.

  2. Turn on Sync this iPhone or iCloud Photos.

Step 2: Set Up iCloud on Your PC

  1. Download and install iCloud for Windows from Apple’s official site.

  2. Open iCloud and sign in with your Apple ID.

  3. Check Photos → Click Options.

  4. Enable iCloud Photos.

  5. Click Apply.

Now, your iPhone photos will automatically sync with your PC.

To view them:

  • Open File Explorer → iCloud Photos

  • Select Downloads to access your pictures.

💡 Note: You need an internet connection and enough iCloud storage space.

🎵 How to Use iTunes to Sync Photos

While iTunes is typically used for music and backups, it can also manage photo syncing.

Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the PC and open iTunes.

  2. Click the iPhone icon in the top-left corner.

  3. Go to Photos from the sidebar.

  4. Check Sync Photos.

  5. Choose the folder or albums you want to sync.

  6. Click Apply to start syncing.

⚠️ Important:
This syncs photos from PC to iPhone, not vice versa — but it’s useful for organizing or backing up later.

📶 How to Transfer Photos Wirelessly with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

While Windows doesn’t support AirDrop, you can still use wireless methods.

Option 1: Bluetooth (Not Recommended)

  • Slow transfer speed and limited compatibility make Bluetooth inefficient for large files.

Option 2: Wi-Fi via Cloud or Apps

  • Use iCloud, OneDrive, or Google Photos.

  • Simply upload from iPhone → access from PC.

For example:

  1. Install Google Photos on your iPhone.

  2. Upload photos to the cloud.

  3. Visit photos.google.com on your PC and download them.

🔗 How to Transfer Photos via AirDrop Alternatives (for Windows 10)

Since AirDrop is Apple-only, here are alternatives for wireless sharing between iPhone and Windows:

App Features
Snapdrop Browser-based AirDrop alternative (no app needed)
SHAREit Fast transfer via Wi-Fi Direct
Send Anywhere Uses a 6-digit code for quick transfers
Feem Offline sharing between devices on same network

Using Snapdrop (Example):

  1. Connect both iPhone and PC to the same Wi-Fi.

  2. Open snapdrop.net on both devices.

  3. Select your PC on the iPhone.

  4. Choose photos to send → they download instantly to your PC.

💾 Using Third-Party Apps to Move Photos

If you prefer dedicated software, here are top-rated options:

Software Key Features
AnyTrans Transfer photos, contacts, and videos seamlessly
Dr.Fone – Phone Manager Drag-and-drop interface, easy backup
EaseUS MobiMover Free photo and file transfer
iMazing Advanced device management and selective transfer

These tools provide faster speeds, selective transfer, and backup options beyond what Windows offers.

⚡ How to Import Photos from iPhone to PC Automatically

If you often transfer new photos, automate the process:

  1. Open the Photos app on Windows 10.

  2. Click Settings (gear icon).

  3. Under Import Settings, enable:

    • Automatically import when this device is connected

    • Choose destination folder

Now, each time you connect your iPhone, Windows will import new photos automatically.

🧰 How to Fix “Device Not Recognized” or Connection Issues

If your iPhone isn’t showing up, try these fixes:

Problem Solution
iPhone not detected Use a different USB port or cable
“Trust this Computer” not showing Unlock iPhone, reconnect, restart both devices
Outdated drivers Open Device Manager → Portable Devices → Update Driver
iTunes not installed Install the latest iTunes version
Photos not importing Check if iCloud Photos is enabled (some photos may be stored in the cloud only)

📁 How to Change Import Location on Windows 10

By default, imported photos go to Pictures > Imported from iPhone.
To change it:

  1. In the Photos app, click the gear icon (Settings).

  2. Under Import Settings, select Change destination.

  3. Pick a new folder (like Desktop or external drive).

  4. Click Done.

Now, all future imports will go to your chosen location.

🗂️ How to Organize and Manage Imported Photos

Once your photos are on your PC, organize them for easier access:

  • Create folders by date, event, or person.

  • Rename images using batch rename tools (like File Explorer’s F2 shortcut).

  • Use Windows Photos app for basic editing and albums.

  • Back up to external drives or cloud storage.

⚡ Tips for Faster Photo Transfers

  • Use a USB 3.0 port for faster speeds.

  • Disable antivirus software temporarily if it interferes.

  • Avoid transferring while charging or updating your iPhone.

  • Delete duplicates before importing.

  • Transfer smaller batches for reliability.

🏁 Conclusion: Back Up Your Memories Safely

Transferring photos from iPhone to PC on Windows 10 doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer USB transfer, iCloud sync, or third-party tools, there’s a method for everyone.

By following this guide, you can:

  • Keep your iPhone storage free

  • Back up your favorite moments

  • Edit, share, and organize easily

So grab your cable (or Wi-Fi), and start moving those memories today!

🧾 Key Takeaways

  • The Photos app is the easiest built-in method.

  • File Explorer allows manual, direct transfers.

  • iCloud Photos enables wireless sync between iPhone and PC.

  • Third-party apps like AnyTrans offer advanced control.

  • Always trust your computer and use original cables for reliability.

❓ FAQs About Transferring Photos from iPhone to Windows 10

1. Why won’t my iPhone show up on my computer?

Make sure your iPhone is unlocked, you’ve tapped Trust This Computer, and you’re using an original Lightning cable. Updating iTunes or drivers may also help.

2. Where do imported photos go on Windows 10?

By default, they go to the Pictures folder, inside Imported from iPhone. You can change this in Import Settings.

3. How can I transfer photos wirelessly without iCloud?

Use alternatives like Snapdrop, Google Photos, or OneDrive to move photos via Wi-Fi.

4. Does transferring photos delete them from iPhone?

No — it simply copies them. You’ll need to delete photos manually to free up space.

5. Can I import HEIC photos to Windows 10?

Yes, but you may need to install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store to view them properly.

✅ Final Tip: Always back up your photos to both your PC and a cloud service — because precious memories deserve more than one.

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