How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Laptop Windows 11: A Guide

By / September 8, 2025

Got tons of pictures on your iPhone but running out of storage? Or maybe you just want to back up your memories on your laptop. If you’re using Windows 11, transferring photos from your iPhone is easier than you think. There are multiple ways to do it—some wireless, some using a cable—and I’ll walk you through each method step by step.

Why Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows 11 Laptop?

1. Free Up iPhone Storage

Photos and videos eat up a lot of space. Moving them to your laptop keeps your phone clutter-free.

2. Create a Backup

Accidents happen. Keeping a copy on your laptop ensures your memories are safe.

3. Easier Editing and Sharing

Want to edit photos using desktop apps or share them via email? Having them on your PC makes it simple.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone (any recent version)

  • A Windows 11 laptop

  • USB-to-Lightning cable or wireless connection (Wi-Fi)

  • Latest iTunes (optional, for some methods)

Method 1: Transfer Photos Using USB Cable (File Explorer)

This is the classic and most reliable method.

Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your laptop using a USB-to-Lightning cable.

  2. Unlock your iPhone and tap Trust This Computer if prompted.

  3. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

  4. Select your iPhone under This PC.

  5. Go to Internal Storage > DCIM folder.

  6. Copy the photos you want and paste them on your laptop.

Pros:

  • Fast for bulk transfers.

  • No internet required.

Cons:

  • Manual and can be messy with large folders.

Method 2: Transfer Photos Using the Photos App

Windows 11 Photos app can directly import pictures.

Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone via USB.

  2. Open the Photos app on your laptop.

  3. Click Import > From a connected device.

  4. Select the photos you want and click Import.

Best for:

Organized transfers with easy selection.

Method 3: Transfer Photos via iCloud

If you use iCloud, this is a seamless wireless option.

Steps:

  1. On your iPhone, enable iCloud Photos:
    Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos > iCloud Photos.

  2. Download iCloud for Windows on your laptop.

  3. Sign in with your Apple ID.

  4. Check Photos and enable iCloud Photo Library.

  5. Your photos will sync automatically to your PC.

Pros:

  • Automatic and wireless.

Cons:

  • Limited by iCloud free storage (5 GB default).

Method 4: Transfer Photos Using iTunes

Though less common now, iTunes still works.

Steps:

  1. Install iTunes on your Windows 11 laptop.

  2. Connect your iPhone and open iTunes.

  3. Click your device icon > Photos tab.

  4. Choose Sync Photos and select a folder.

  5. Click Apply.

Method 5: Transfer Photos via AirDrop Alternative (Snapdrop or SHAREit)

Since AirDrop doesn’t work with Windows, you can use alternatives like Snapdrop.

Steps with Snapdrop:

  1. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.

  2. Open Snapdrop.net on your iPhone and laptop browser.

  3. Select the photos and send them to your laptop.

Method 6: Transfer Photos Using Email or Messaging Apps

If you only need a few photos:

  1. Open Photos on your iPhone.

  2. Select photos > Share > Mail or WhatsApp Web.

  3. Download them on your PC.

Method 7: Use OneDrive or Google Drive

Cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive make this easy.

Steps:

  1. Upload photos from your iPhone to OneDrive or Google Drive.

  2. Access them from the respective Windows 11 app or web browser.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. iPhone Not Detected by Windows 11

  • Use a different USB port or cable.

  • Install the latest iTunes for proper drivers.

2. Transfer Fails Midway

  • Ensure your iPhone screen is unlocked.

  • Avoid moving too many large videos at once.

3. Photos Not Showing in File Explorer

  • Enable iCloud Photos Download on your iPhone.

How to Organize Imported Photos

  • Create folders by year or event.

  • Rename files for easy search.

  • Use the Windows 11 Photos app to manage albums.

Should You Delete Photos from iPhone After Transfer?

Only if you have a verified backup. Test a few photos on your laptop before deleting them from your phone.

Bonus Tip: Automate Future Transfers

  • Enable iCloud Photos for auto-sync.

  • Or set up OneDrive Camera Upload.

Conclusion

Transferring photos from iPhone to your Windows 11 laptop is no longer a tech headache. Whether you prefer a quick USB connection, cloud-based sync, or wireless sharing, there’s a method for every need. Choose what fits your workflow, free up your iPhone storage, and keep your memories safe.

FAQs

1. Do I need iTunes to transfer photos?

Not always—File Explorer or the Photos app works without iTunes.

2. Can I transfer HEIC photos to Windows 11?

Yes, but you may need a HEIC extension from the Microsoft Store.

3. Is iCloud the best option?

It’s great for seamless sync but limited by free storage.

4. Can I transfer photos without a cable?

Yes, via iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, or Snapdrop.

5. Does deleting photos on iPhone delete them from my laptop?

No, unless you’re using iCloud Photos with sync enabled.

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