How to Download iCloud Photos to PC: Your Ultimate Guide [2024 Guide]

“I have hundreds of photos on my iPhone and iPad. Most of them capture special memories and important milestones in my life. I sync my devices to iCloud because I’m a stickler for backups. Is it possible to recover photos from iCloud without reset? I want to download those iCloud photos to my computer as well, so I have another copy in case something goes wrong with my gadgets and iCloud. How do I transfer photos from iCould to Pc?”

This article will show you how to download iCloud Photos to PC. Let's start to learn how to download photos from iCloud to iPhone.

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Part 1. Reasons Why You Download iCloud Photos to PCPart 2. How to Access iCloud Photos to PC Step by StepPart 3. How to Download Photos from iCloud to PC SelectivelyVideo Guide for iCloud Photos DownloadPart 4. Conclusion

Part 1. Reasons Why You Download iCloud Photos to PC

iCloud is cloud-based storage that provides users with means to store data such as photos, music, documents, and contacts, among others. It allows for easy file-sharing and device management in case of loss or theft.

It also offers a way for iOS device users to back up data via wireless means. iCloud serves as an alternative to manual backups using iTunes. These features explain why millions use the cloud to save their most valuable photos. If you’re reading this, you must be one of them.

To download iCloud photos to your computer have many benefits:

• Easier file-sharing. Now that you have a copy of your photos on your computer, you can transfer them to a flash drive or hard drive and share it with your friends.
• Additional backup. Downloading your photos from iCloud to your PC will create an extra backup for your most cherished images. Your files on iCloud are dependent on those on your iOS device. If you accidentally deleted a photo, iCloud will update your backup and erase that photo once your device connects to the internet.
• Faster transition to a new device. If you’re planning to switch to an Android phone or get a new tablet, it’s convenient to have your files on your PC. By connecting your device to the computer with a USB cable, you can do manual transfers of your files.
• Easier photo-editing. The transfer will allow you to make more complex edits on photos. You can use advanced photo editing tools such as Adobe Photoshop, and make modifications that are otherwise impossible to make on phones and tablets.

Part 2. How to Access iCloud Photos to PC Step by Step

Option 1. Download iCloud Photos Online

Works for: Mac and Windows computer

Download Selected Photos

1. Go to iCloud.com. Log in with your Apple ID and password.
2. Click Photos on the main menu.
3. Click on the image you want to download and wait for the picture to load on the screen.
4. Click on the small download icon. You can find it in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
5. Repeat the said steps for the other photos that you want to download from iCloud.

Select and Download All Photos on iCloud

1. Log in to iCloud > Photos.
2. Click on the “All Photos” album.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the album and click Select Photos, situated on top of the iCloud Photos bar.
4. Press the Shift key and while holding it, click on the last image in the album. This will select all photos in the album.
5. Click Download on the top of the iCloud Photos bar. A dialog box will request for your confirmation to download all selected images. Press Download to confirm.

Option 2. Download via iCloud for Windows

Works for: Windows PC

iCloud can be installed as a software on Windows computers. This allows users to access and upload their photos straight from their computers.

You may download it from the Apple website if you haven’t yet. Once iCloud successfully installs, set it up by following the on-screen prompts.

Once it is set up, do the following steps to download iCloud photos to your PC:

1. Launch iCloud and type in your Apple ID and password to log in.
2. Select Photos and click the Options button next to it.
3. Tick iCloud Photo Library, Download new photos and videos to my PC, and iCloud Photo Sharing. This will enable photo sharing between iCloud and your computer. All new photos taken on your device and uploaded to iCloud will also automatically be downloaded to your PC.
4. Click Change beside Download new photos and videos to my PC, you can modify the location where your files will be saved.

You also have the option to Upload new photos and videos from my PC.

1. Wait as the software syncs your photos from iCloud to your iCloud Drive. The software will automatically create an iCloud Photos folder in File Explorer.
2. Open the iCloud Photos folder, you will see 3 folders: Downloads, Uploads, and Shared. Open the Downloads folder to view your iCloud photos.

Part 3. How to Download Photos from iCloud to PC Selectively

iCloud users have another option if they want to download their pictures from the cloud. It is to use FoneDog iOS Data Recovery. It is a one-stop shop, where you can also recover lost photos and files from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

It can also show you all file types uploaded on iCloud on one screen. Most importantly, the software can download your iCloud photos for you.

iOS Data Recovery Recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, call logs, WhatsApp data, and more. Recover data from iPhone, iTunes and iCloud. Compatible with latest iPhone and iOS. Free Download Free Download

Step 1. Launch FoneDog iOS Data Recovery

Download and install the software on your computer. Launch the program.

Step 2. Access Your iCloud Account from the Software

You will be presented with various tools. Choose Recover from iCloud Backup File from the choices. Log in to your iCloud account by entering your credentials.

Step 3. Download iCloud Backup File

If you have multiple iOS devices, you will have more than one iCloud backup file. The software will ask you to choose one. Select the one with your photos in it. Hit the Download button beside the desired backup file.

Step 4. Choose File Types to Scan

The software can recover a wide range of file types. You will see the list in a small window.

From the list, select Camera Roll, Photo Library, and App Photos. Hit Next to begin scanning.

Step 5. View Deleted Photos and Download iCloud Photos

Once the scan ends, the interface will show all photos found in your iCloud backup file. You can either select specific photos that you want to download or select all photos.

How to download all photos from iCloud? Mark your selection and once done, hit Recover. A prompt will appear, showing you where the photos will be saved. You may also change the destination folder.

Once done, click Recover. This will download all selected images to your PC.

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Part 4. Conclusion

Downloading your iCloud photos to your computer is very easy. It may take a bit of patience though. Downloading your photos in full resolution may take several minutes depending on the internet speed and the number of your photos. Nevertheless, it is worth the wait.

If you chose to use FoneDog iOS Data Recovery to download iCloud photos to PC, you can make use of the software’s other recovery tools. You can restore deleted messages, contacts, and media files – no backups needed.