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Aurelioz's avatar
Aurelioz
Brass Contributor
May 08, 2026

How to transfer photos from iphone to pc on Windows 11 without itunes

The Phone Link app does not work and the bluetooth transfer is too slow. I want to backup my iPhone photos and there are more than 1000 photos. What is the best way to transfer photos from iPhone to ...
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Nobel_Baynes's avatar
Nobel_Baynes
Steel Contributor
May 08, 2026

Using File Explorer is one of the easiest and fastest ways to bulk transfer photos from an iPhone to a Windows 11 PC without installing additional software. The iPhone appears like a digital camera in Windows, allowing direct access to the DCIM photo folders. This method is popular for large transfers because it keeps original image quality and works well for backing up thousands of photos and videos to a local drive or external SSD.

How to transfer photos from iphone to pc on windows 11

1. Unlock the iPhone and connect it to the Windows 11 PC using a USB cable.

2. Tap Trust This Computer on the iPhone screen if prompted.

3. Open File Explorer on Windows 11 and click:

This PC > Apple iPhone > Internal Storage > DCIM

4. Open the folders that contain your photos and videos.

5. Select the files or folders you want to transfer.

6. Copy and paste them to a folder on the PC or external drive.

7. Wait for the transfer to complete before disconnecting the iPhone.

File Explorer is a reliable solution for users who want a direct local backup of iPhone photos on Windows 11. It does not require cloud storage or extra apps, and it usually transfers iPhone photos to Windows 11 PC faster than wireless methods. For very large libraries, copying photos in smaller batches can help avoid transfer interruptions or connection errors.