DB LabsDB Labs

Updated April 7, 2026

By Jack Smith, iOS Developer at DB Labs

How-To

How to Use iCloud Photos on Windows

iCloud Photos is not just for Macs. Windows users can install iCloud for Windows and get a folder-based view of their entire iPhone photo library. Here is how.

April 7, 2026  ·  6 min read

Quick Answer

Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store, sign in with your Apple ID, enable Photos, and pick a download location. iCloud creates a folder accessible from File Explorer with Downloads, Uploads, and Shared subfolders. You can also visit iCloud.com in any web browser to view and download photos without installing anything.

What You Need

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • iCloud Photos already enabled on your iPhone (Settings > [name] > iCloud > Photos)
  • Your Apple ID email and password
  • Two-factor authentication set up (required)
  • Enough disk space for the photos you plan to download

Method 1: iCloud for Windows (Full Sync)

1 Install iCloud for Windows

Open the Microsoft Store and search for iCloud. Install the app by Apple. (On older Windows 10 systems, you can also download directly from apple.com/icloud/.)

2 Sign In With Your Apple ID

Launch iCloud and sign in. If you have two-factor authentication, a code will appear on your iPhone or other trusted Apple device. Enter it on your PC.

3 Enable Photos

In the iCloud window, check the box next to Photos. Click Options next to Photos to choose settings: the iCloud Photos folder location, whether to Keep Originals, and Shared Albums.

4 Click Apply

Click Apply. iCloud creates a folder in File Explorer called iCloud Photos with three subfolders: Downloads (photos synced from iCloud), Uploads (drop photos here to push to iCloud), and Shared.

5 Access Your Photos

Open File Explorer, click iCloud Photos in the sidebar, and browse or search. Photos stream down on demand by default. Right-click any file for Always keep on this device to cache it locally.

Method 2: iCloud.com (No Install)

1 Visit iCloud.com

Open any browser and go to iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and enter the two-factor code.

2 Click Photos

From the app grid, click Photos. Your entire iCloud Photos library loads in the browser.

3 Select and Download

Click a photo to select it, hold Shift or Cmd/Ctrl to select multiple, then click the Download button in the top right. Choose Most Compatible for JPEG or Unmodified Original for HEIC.

Tips and Troubleshooting

  • HEIC on Windows: Install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (free) to view HEIC photos natively in File Explorer and Photos app.
  • Keep Originals option: In iCloud for Windows > Photos > Options, enable this if you want full-resolution copies stored locally. Requires significant disk space.
  • Slow sync: Initial download of a large library (50,000+ photos) can take hours or days depending on your internet speed.
  • Upload from PC to iCloud: Drop photos into the Uploads subfolder. They will appear in your iPhone Photos within minutes on Wi-Fi.
Disk space: If you enable Keep Originals, iCloud for Windows will use as much disk space as your iCloud Photos library (potentially hundreds of GB). Monitor your free space.
Tip: Before syncing everything to Windows, clean your library so you are not downloading 10,000 blurry and duplicate photos. Swype Photo Cleaner on your iPhone is the fast way.

For more, see our check iPhone storage from PC, transfer photos to a computer, turn off iCloud Photos, and iCloud Photos not syncing fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access iCloud Photos on Windows?

Yes. Use iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store, or visit iCloud.com in any browser.

Do I need iTunes to use iCloud Photos on Windows?

No. iCloud for Windows is separate and works independently.

Does iCloud Photos on Windows download everything?

By default, on demand. Enable Keep Originals in settings to store the full library locally.