For a few files or photos, use iCloud Drive or iCloud Photos and download each item you need on the PC. For a larger one-time transfer, export or copy the files to an external drive, then copy them into Windows. Choose the method based on whether you need ongoing cloud access, full-resolution photos, or a separate copy that won’t change when iCloud content is deleted.
Choose a transfer method
| Need | Best fit | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| A few files and internet access | iCloud Drive | Copy files to a Windows folder if you want to keep them in iCloud Drive. |
| A few photos and internet access | iCloud Photos on Windows or iCloud.com | Download the items; thumbnails alone may not be available offline. |
| A larger one-time copy or unreliable internet | Export or copy to an external drive, then copy to the PC | Check that the drive has enough space and is readable and writable on both computers. |
| A separate copy of important photos | Export from Photos to a folder outside the synced iCloud Photos collection | Changes and deletions in iCloud Photos can sync to other devices. |
Apple’s instructions cover exporting photo files and accessing iCloud content, but do not establish that an exported Windows copy preserves the complete Photos library, including its database, albums, edits, and organization.
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Move ordinary files with iCloud Drive
- Set up and sign in to iCloud for Windows, then open File Explorer > iCloud Drive.
- Find the files you need. Files must be downloaded before they can be opened; status icons show whether an item has downloaded. See Apple’s iCloud Drive guidance for Windows.
- To keep the iCloud version as well as a local Windows copy, copy the file into a regular Windows folder. Apple describes dragging an item from iCloud Drive to another folder as moving it out of iCloud Drive, not making a second copy.
If the file is in a shared iCloud Drive folder, copying it to another folder does not copy the sharing access. The copied file is separate from the shared-folder permissions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsGet photos from iCloud on the PC
Use iCloud Photos in Windows
- Set up iCloud Photos in iCloud for Windows.
- Open File Explorer > iCloud Photos. Double-click a thumbnail to download and view that item. Downloaded photos can also be viewed in Microsoft Photos. Apple notes that photos and videos appear as thumbnails until downloaded; see Download and view iCloud Photos on your Windows computer.
- Download each photo or video you need before relying on it offline. A visible thumbnail does not prove that the original file is stored on the PC.
Use iCloud.com instead
If you do not want to set up iCloud for Windows, sign in to iCloud.com/photos in a browser and download selected items. This is practical for a small selection; for a large collection, consider exporting to external storage from the Mac.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Understand what edits and deletions do
With iCloud for Windows 14.2 or later, changes and deletions made in Microsoft Photos also affect iCloud Photos on devices where the service is enabled. Apple says edits made on Windows do not automatically appear on Apple devices or iCloud.com; to add an edited file to iCloud Photos, upload it as a new item. Review Apple’s Windows iCloud Photos instructions before changing or removing synced items.
Export photos from Mac Photos to an external drive
Download originals first when needed
If iCloud Photos is enabled and Optimize Mac Storage is selected, the Mac may keep smaller local versions while the originals remain in iCloud. To export full-resolution files locally, open Photos > Settings > iCloud and choose Download Originals to this Mac. Apple explains the difference between these options in its iCloud Photos settings guidance. Allow the originals to download before exporting.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Export, then copy to Windows
- Connect an external drive to the Mac and confirm it has enough free space. Verify that its format is readable and writable on both the Mac and Windows PC; Apple’s export guidance does not prescribe a universal cross-platform format.
- In Photos, select the items to transfer and choose File > Export. Choose the export settings and select a folder on the external drive as the destination. See Apple’s instructions for exporting photos, videos, and slideshows.
- Connect the drive to the Windows PC and copy the exported files into the folder where you want them.
- Open a sample of the copied files on Windows and check that the expected items are present before removing the source copy.
This creates photo and video files on the drive; it should not be treated as a promise that the Mac Photos library’s full organizational structure or editing history will transfer to Windows.
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Keep an independent copy of important photos
iCloud Photos is a synchronization service, not an independent archive: deleting a photo on a device using iCloud Photos is reflected on the other devices using the service. For a separate safety copy, export or copy the files to a location outside the synced iCloud Photos collection. Apple describes the effects of deleting photos in its iCloud Photos guidance.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
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Some Photos libraries use referenced files stored outside the library. Those files are not stored in iCloud Photos and need their own backup. Moving or renaming a referenced file can also make Photos lose track of it; see Apple’s guidance on referenced files in Photos.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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