How to Send Photos From Your iPhone to a Windows Computer

Apple iPhones and Windows computers do not always work together naturally, which leads to a common question: how do I get photos off my iPhone and onto my PC? The good news is there are several easy ways to do this, and you can choose whichever one feels most comfortable.

Method 1 — USB Cable (fastest, no internet needed): Plug your iPhone into your Windows computer using your charging cable. Your iPhone will ask "Trust This Computer?" — tap "Trust." On your PC, open File Explorer (the folder icon on the taskbar), look for your iPhone listed under "This PC" or "Devices and drives," open it, navigate to "Internal Storage" → "DCIM," and then copy and paste the photos you want to your computer's Pictures folder.

Method 2 — iCloud for Windows (automatic, wireless): Download the free "iCloud for Windows" app from the Microsoft Store on your PC. Sign in with your Apple ID. Once set up, your iPhone photos automatically appear in a special iCloud Photos folder on your PC whenever both devices are on Wi-Fi. This is the most hands-off option if you want photos to transfer automatically going forward. Method 3 — Email yourself (works for a few photos at a time): In the Photos app on your iPhone, select the photos you want, tap the share button (the square with an arrow pointing up), and tap "Mail." Enter your own email address and send. Then open that email on your computer and save the photos.