How to transfer photos and files from iPhone to a Windows PC
Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
AirDrop does not work with Windows, but you can open Dropinn in Safari on your iPhone and in any browser on your PC. Tap Choose Files on the iPhone, pick photos from your Photo Library or documents from the Files app, and click Download on the PC. No iTunes, iCloud, cable or app is needed.
Step by step
- 1
Open Dropinn on the Windows PC
Use Edge, Chrome or Firefox. The home page opens Wi-Fi Share.
- 2
Scan the QR code with your iPhone
Click Open on another device on the PC and point the iPhone camera at the QR code, then tap the link to open it in Safari.
- 3
Tap Choose Files and pick what to send
Choose Photo Library for photos and videos, or Choose Files for documents in the Files app. Select as many as you need.
- 4
Download on the PC
The files appear on the PC within seconds. Click Download to save each one.
If Windows can't open your iPhone photos
iPhones usually save photos as HEIC. Windows can open them after you install the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. To have your iPhone take JPEG photos instead, go to Settings, Camera, Formats and choose Most Compatible.
Sending long videos
Videos up to 10 GB per file are supported. Keep Safari open on screen until the upload finishes, because iOS can pause uploads in the background.
iPhone and PC on different networks
If the iPhone is on mobile data, click Private Share on the PC and scan that QR code instead. The private session works over the internet on any network.
From Windows back to iPhone
Drop files onto Dropinn on the PC and tap Download on the iPhone. Safari saves them to the Files app, in Downloads.
Frequently asked questions
Is there AirDrop for Windows?
No. AirDrop is only available on Apple devices. A browser-based tool like Dropinn lets an iPhone and a Windows PC exchange files without installing anything.
Do I need iCloud or iTunes to move photos from iPhone to PC?
No. Dropinn sends photos straight from Safari to your PC's browser.
Does Dropinn reduce photo or video quality?
No. Dropinn does not compress or change your files.
Can I transfer files from iPhone to a Windows 11 laptop wirelessly?
Yes. Open Dropinn on both devices and use Choose Files on the iPhone.