Why I can't copy photos from iPhone to PC?

If Windows detects the iPhone but you are unable to copy/import the photos, I would check a few things before assuming there is a problem with the photos themselves.

1. Unlock the iPhone and keep it unlocked while connecting it.

Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, then select Trust/Allow if the iPhone asks whether you trust this computer.

2. Install/update the Apple Devices app on Windows.

Check whether your iPhone is detected correctly there. If Windows/Apple Devices does not recognise the iPhone properly, try another USB port and, if possible, another data-capable USB cable.

3. Try importing through the Windows Photos app instead of manually copying the DCIM folders.

This can be more reliable, particularly when transferring a large number of photos/videos.

4. Check whether iCloud Photos is enabled on the iPhone.

If Optimize iPhone Storage is being used, some original photos/videos may be stored in iCloud rather than locally on the phone. In that situation, download the original/full-resolution files to the iPhone before trying the USB import again.

5. If some photos copy but others fail, the issue may be related to the photo/video format or conversion during transfer. For future photos, you can check Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.

If you can share what happens when you try to copy them — for example, whether DCIM is empty, the iPhone is not detected, you receive an error, or the transfer starts and then stops — that will help narrow down the exact cause.