Change iCloud Photos Folder Location in Windows
Relocating the iCloud Photos Folder on Windows
Upon installing the iCloud application on a Windows computer, a designated folder is established for storing shared data. It is possible, however, to transfer this folder to an alternate location, potentially including another cloud storage service or a backup drive.
Recent iCloud Versions and Folder Location
As of early 2021, newer iterations of iCloud obtained from the Windows 10 Store may restrict the ability to directly modify the storage location for your photos. A workaround involves utilizing a symbolic link; guidance on this process can be found on the official Apple support forums.
Previously, installing iCloud on Windows enabled features like photo stream synchronization, iCloud Photo Sharing, storage management, and bookmark syncing across Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.
Initially, the iCloud folder is placed within your Windows' Photos folder, which itself is configurable. Nevertheless, if your intention is solely to move the iCloud Photos folder, it can be relocated independently of the Photos folder’s location.
Changing the iCloud Photos Location
To initiate the relocation of your iCloud Photos folder, launch the iCloud application. Adjacent to the "Photos" label, you will find an "Options..." button – select this to proceed.
Within the options window, you can disable features like "My Photo Stream" and "iCloud Photo Sharing." However, the focus should be on the "iCloud Photos location:" field located at the bottom of the dialog. Click "Change..." to specify a new destination for the folder.
Users familiar with Windows navigation will recognize the subsequent step. A file browser will appear, allowing you to select the desired folder for your relocated iCloud Photos. In this example, the folder is being moved from a Dropbox location to an iCloud Drive folder within the user directory.
After selecting the new folder and clicking "OK," you will return to the Photos Options window. Confirm your changes by clicking "OK" once more. This action will then move the iCloud Photos folder to the chosen location or drive.
Benefits of Relocation
For users with substantial iCloud storage, particularly those utilizing paid plans, managing a large photo library is essential. While iCloud is optimized for Apple ecosystems, integrating it with a PC can be beneficial.
Moving the folder to a service like Dropbox or OneDrive allows for broader accessibility of your iCloud photos across multiple devices. If you are evaluating cloud storage options, a comparative analysis can help determine the best fit for your needs.
Further Assistance
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