---
title: "How to Use iCloud Photos on Windows"
description: "Access your iPhone photos on Windows 10 or 11 using iCloud for Windows or the Apple Devices app. Step-by-step setup, download, and sync instructions."
url: https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/use-icloud-photos-on-windows/
date: 2026-04-07
---

Updated April 7, 2026

By [Jack Smith](https://dblabsapps.com/about/jack-smith/), iOS Developer at DB Labs

# 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.

For more, see our [check iPhone storage from PC](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/check-iphone-storage-from-pc/), [transfer photos to a computer](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/transfer-photos-iphone-to-computer/), [turn off iCloud Photos](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/turn-off-icloud-photos/), and [iCloud Photos not syncing fix](https://dblabsapps.com/blog/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.