iOS · Windows & macOS
Download iCloud Photos and Videos on Windows
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Set up iCloud for Windows and turn on iCloud Photos, then use File Explorer or iCloud.com to select and download the photos or videos you need.
Choose the Windows app or browser method
Use iCloud for Windows when you want ongoing access from File Explorer. Use iCloud.com/photos for a one-time download without setting up synchronization. In either case, make sure the photos have finished uploading to iCloud Photos from the original Apple device before expecting them on the PC.
Set up iCloud for Windows
Install or update iCloud for Windows from Microsoft's official store, open it, and sign in with the Apple Account that owns the library. Complete two-factor authentication on a trusted device when prompted, then turn on iCloud Photos and apply the change.
Open iCloud Photos in File Explorer
Open File Explorer and select iCloud Photos in the navigation pane. The library can take time to populate. A thumbnail or cloud icon does not necessarily mean the full local file is present; opening a photo downloads it when needed.
Keep selected files downloaded
Select the photos or videos you need offline, right-click, and choose Always keep on this device when Windows offers that command. Wait for the download status to complete before disconnecting from the internet, moving files, or treating the PC copy as a backup.
Download selected items from iCloud.com
Alternatively, sign in at iCloud.com/photos, select one or more items, and use Download. Use Ctrl-click for separate items or Shift-click for a range where supported. For large libraries, download manageable groups and confirm each archive or file opens before deleting anything elsewhere.
Choose the appropriate download format
If iCloud.com offers download options, Unmodified Originals preserves the file as originally captured or imported, while a compatible or highest-resolution option may deliver a more broadly usable version. Live Photos can include separate image and video components. Choose based on whether preservation or compatibility matters.
Verify the local copies
Open several downloaded photos and videos in Windows, check that their resolution and playback are correct, and copy important files to a separate backup location. Downloading does not remove the originals from iCloud. If items are missing, confirm iCloud Photos is enabled and syncing on the source device.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If photos are missing, verify they appear at iCloud.com/photos and that the source Apple device has completed its iCloud Photos upload.
- If a File Explorer item remains cloud-only, keep the PC online and choose Always keep on this device, then wait for the local-download status.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows & macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.