Phone full of photos, or need a document on your laptop for printing? Here are the main ways to move files, from fastest to most convenient.

1. USB cable (fastest, no data needed)

Android

  1. Connect the phone to the laptop with a USB cable.
  2. Unlock the phone. Tap the USB notification and choose File transfer (or MTP).
  3. On the laptop, open File Explorer; your phone appears under This PC.
  4. Open DCIM → Camera for photos, or Download, and copy files to your laptop.

iPhone

  1. Connect with a cable and unlock the iPhone.
  2. Tap Trust when asked.
  3. On Windows, open the Photos app and choose Import to bring in photos and videos.

Phone Link connects an Android phone to a Windows PC. Microsoft says you can share files from Android using Link to Windows – Send to PC in the Share menu (Windows 11 and Android 10 or later); received files land in Downloads\Phone Link. You can also view and drag recent photos to your PC. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi.

3. Bluetooth (small files)

Pair the phone and laptop in Bluetooth settings, then share a file to the laptop. Fine for a few documents; slow for videos.

4. Cloud (any distance)

Upload to Google Drive, Google Photos, OneDrive or iCloud on the phone, then download on the laptop. Uses data, so prefer Wi-Fi or a night bundle.

Troubleshooting

  • Phone not showing up? Try a different cable (some only charge) and a different USB port.
  • Unlock the phone and check the USB mode.
  • Restart both devices.

Freeing up space? See phone storage full? How to free up space.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

What is the fastest way to move lots of videos?

A USB cable is usually fastest and does not use data.

Why does my laptop not see my Android phone?

Unlock the phone and set USB mode to File transfer. Try another cable: some only charge.

Can I transfer files without a cable?

Yes: Microsoft Phone Link, Bluetooth, or cloud services like Google Drive.

How do I get photos from an iPhone to Windows?

Connect with a cable, unlock the iPhone, tap Trust, then import with the Windows Photos app.

Sources