How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC in Windows 10

To transfer photos from an iPhone to a Windows 10 PC, connect the iPhone with a USB cable, unlock it, and tap Trust (or Allow) on the phone. Open the Photos app on the PC, select Import > From a connected device, choose the photos, and select Import. Videos come across the same way.

Apple recommends installing the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store first so Windows recognizes the iPhone.

Applies to: Windows 10 with an iPhone or iPad. Checked against Apple Support on September 25, 2026.

Before you start

• Install Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store. It installs the driver Windows needs for the iPhone.
• Use a cable that carries data. Some cheap cables only charge.
• If you use iCloud Photos, turn on Download and Keep Originals in Settings > Photos on the iPhone first, so the full-size photos are on the phone.

Import with the Photos app

1. Connect the iPhone to the PC and unlock it.
2. Tap Trust or Allow on the iPhone if asked.
3. On the PC, open Photos from the Start menu.
4. Select Import > From a connected device.

5. Select the photos and videos you want, or Select all.
6. Select Import. The files go to your Pictures folder unless you change the location.

Copy photos with File Explorer

1. Connect and unlock the iPhone, then open File Explorer.
2. Select This PC > Apple iPhone > Internal Storage > DCIM.
3. Open the folders, select the photos and videos, and copy them to a folder on your PC.

This works well for large videos and for copying everything at once.

Sync photos with iCloud

Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store, sign in with your Apple Account, and turn on Photos. Your iCloud photos then appear in File Explorer and download to the PC without a cable.

Open iPhone photos (HEIC) in Windows 10

iPhones save photos as HEIC files by default. To open them in Windows 10, install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Or, on the iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible to take new photos as JPEG.

If the iPhone doesn’t show up

• Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust again.
• Try another USB port and cable.
• Update or reinstall Apple Devices, then restart the PC.
• Check that the PC sees the phone under Portable Devices in Device Manager. See how to see connected USB devices in Windows 10.

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with an iPad?

Yes. The steps are the same for an iPad.

Why are some photos missing?

They may only be in iCloud. Download the originals to the iPhone first, as above.

Can I transfer photos without a cable?

Yes, with iCloud for Windows. You can also email or share a few photos from the iPhone.

Where do the imported photos go?

The Photos app saves them in your Pictures folder by default. You can pick a different folder before you select Import.

Should I delete the photos from my iPhone after importing?

Only after you’ve checked they open on the PC and you have a backup. Then delete them on the iPhone in the Photos app, and empty Recently Deleted to free up space.

Why does the transfer stop partway?

The iPhone may have locked, or the cable may be loose. Keep the phone unlocked, try a different cable or USB port, and import in smaller batches.

To save photos to a disc, see how to burn a CD or DVD in Windows 10.

If the photos come over as HEIC files, see how to open HEIC files in Windows 10.

To keep the photos safe after you copy them, see how to back up Windows 10. Apple’s guide is Transfer photos from your iPhone or iPad. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

For an Android phone or a camera, see how to transfer photos from a phone to a Windows 10 PC.

You can also read your iPhone’s text messages on your PC. See can you use iMessage on Windows 10?

Using Windows 11? See how to transfer photos from an iPhone to a Windows 11 PC.