Import iPhone/iPad Photos & Videos to Windows Manually

Seamlessly Transferring Photos and Videos from iOS to Windows

The synergy between iPhones and iPads with Macs is well-known, akin to a classic pairing. However, Windows users can also readily access their photos and videos from Apple devices with a straightforward process.

Despite the increasing prevalence of Apple products, a substantial number of users continue to rely on Windows operating systems. Consequently, these individuals often encounter challenges when attempting to integrate their iPhones and iPads with their personal computers.

Our experience indicates that while accessing media from a Mac is remarkably simple, utilizing a Windows PC necessitates a few additional steps. Though not overly complex, the process isn’t always the most streamlined. Nevertheless, understanding how to import photos and videos from your iOS device can significantly expedite the task.

Upon connecting your iOS device to your Windows computer, a prompt will appear, requesting permission for your PC to access the device’s photos and videos.

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Selecting "Allow" and having a photo application installed may trigger another prompt, inquiring if you wish to initiate the import process. For instance, a Windows 10 PC might immediately present a dialog box asking if you want to import items from your iPhone.

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If a photos application isn't present on your system, or if you prefer not to import all your media at once, a manual import is possible. This is particularly useful when dealing with large libraries.

Begin by opening File Explorer and navigating to your computer’s directories. Locate and click on your connected iPhone or iPad, then open the folder labeled "Internal Storage". All your photos and videos are stored within the DCIM folder.

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Locating specific content can be somewhat challenging initially. You can either browse through each folder individually, which can be time-consuming, or utilize the search function.

Employing the search function, you could attempt to list all photos by specifying the file type, such as "*.jpg". However, this will display all files with that extension on your device, potentially requiring extensive review.

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Alternatively, if you recall the approximate date the photo was taken, you can sort the files accordingly by switching to the Details view.

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The method you choose for finding and organizing your photos and videos depends on your preference – whether to utilize a dedicated photos program or import files individually.

For more detailed guidance on searching for photo files, we suggest exploring our Geek School series, which provides an in-depth explanation of search techniques.

We trust this article has proven helpful, equipping you with the knowledge to seamlessly integrate your iPhone or iPad with your Windows PC. Feel free to share your questions or comments in our discussion forum.