Can you transfer file between iPhone and PC Windows 10?

In the modern digital age, our lives are split between the mobility of the iPhone and the productivity of Windows 10. Whether you are a professional photographer needing to edit high-res shots or a student moving documents for a project, knowing how to transfer files between iPhone and Windows 10or 11efficiently is a game-changer.

However, moving data between Apple’s "walled garden" and Microsoft’s ecosystem isn't always a straightforward process. From "Device Unreachable" errors to sluggish iTunes syncs, the struggle is real. In this ultimate guide, we will explore every possible method, from native tools to professional remote solutions like AnyViewer, to help you find the perfect workflow.

Why is transferring files between iPhone and Windows 10 often difficult?

Before we dive into the "how-to," it’s important to understand the "why." Apple and Microsoft use different file systems and protocols, which can complicate the process when sharing files between an iPhone and Windows 11 or 10.

• HEIC/HEVC Formats: iPhones often save media in formats that Windows 10 might not recognize without specific codecs.
• The "MTP" Bottleneck: Windows uses Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) for USB transfers, which can be unstable when moving thousands of photos.
• Lack of AirDrop: The most famous transfer tool for Apple users, AirPlay/AirDrop, does not natively exist on Windows 10.

How to transfer files between iPhone and Windows 10

To help you find the right fit for your workflow, here are the five most effective ways to move your data quickly and securely.

Method 1: The professional’s choice – AnyViewer (Easiest & fastest)

If you are looking for a way to transfer files between iPhone and Windows 10 without cables, without iCloud storage limits, and without the headaches of iTunes, AnyViewer is the premier solution. It is also the most reliable way to share files between iPhone and Windows 11 wirelessly.

What is AnyViewer?

AnyViewer is a powerful remote desktop software designed for seamless cross-platform connectivity. While it is famous for remote support and PC control, its Mobile-to-PC File Transfer feature has become a favorite for iPhone users who want a fast, secure, and wireless way to manage their data.

Key Benefits of Using AnyViewer for File Transfer:

• High-Speed Transmission: Unlike cloud drives that depend on upload and download speeds, AnyViewer optimizes the connection for transfers up to 10MB/s.
• Security: Every transfer is protected by End-to-End ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) encryption, ensuring your private photos and documents stay private.
• No File Type Limits: Transfer PDFs, 4K videos, massive ZIP files, or obscure document formats without a hitch.
• Large File Support: While free cloud services cap you at a few gigabytes, AnyViewer supports individual files up to 1TB for Pro users.

How to Transfer Files via AnyViewer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on your Windows 10 PC and the AnyViewer app on your iPhone from the App Store.

Step 2. Register a free account and log in on both devices.

Step 3. On your iPhone, go to the device list, find your Windows 10 PC, and select "File Transfer."

Step 4. To move files from an iPhone to Windows, tap Send photos & videos or Send files. To transfer files from Windows to an iPhone, tap Download. Select the files you want, and the transfer starts instantly.

Pro Tip:

AnyViewer is also excellent for remote work. If you forget a file on your home PC while you're out with your iPhone, you can use AnyViewer to remotely access your PC and "pull" the file to your phone in seconds.

Method 2: Using the Windows 10 Photos app (USB)

For those who only need to move photos and videos and have a cable handy, the built-in Photos app is a solid native choice to transfer files between iPhone and Windows 11 or 10.

Steps:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows 10 PC using a USB cable.

Step 2. Unlock your iPhone and tap "Trust" if prompted.

Step 3. Open the Photos app on your PC (Start Photos).

Step 4. Select Import From a connected device.

Step 5. The app will scan your iPhone for media. Select the photos you want and click Import.

The Downside:

This method is notorious for crashing if you try to transfer more than 100 items at once, and it doesn't support non-media files like PDFs or Word docs.

Method 3: iCloud for Windows (The sync method)

If you have a fast internet connection and plenty of iCloud storage, Apple’s official "iCloud for Windows" app provides a background sync experience.

Steps:

Step 1. On your iPhone, enable iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive in Settings.

Step 2. On your PC, download iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.

Step 3. Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4. Check the boxes for "Photos" and "iCloud Drive."

Step 5. Your files will now appear in a dedicated folder within your Windows File Explorer.

The Downside:

You only get 5GB of free space. Once that’s full, you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription. Furthermore, syncing can be slow if you're dealing with 4K video files.

Method 4: Windows File Explorer (Manual drag-and-drop)

This is the "old school" method. It treats your iPhone like a digital camera.

Steps:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone via USB.

Step 2. Open File Explorer and go to This PC.

Step 3. Double-click Apple iPhone Internal Storage DCIM.

Step 4. Browse the folders (e.g., 100APPLE) to find your photos.

Step 5. Copy and paste them to your desktop.

Warning:

You cannot move files *fromPC *toiPhone using this method; it is a one-way street only for photos.

Method 5: Using "Apple Devices" App (The iTunes successor)

In 2024 and 2025, Apple transitioned away from the bulky iTunes on Windows 10, replacing it with the Apple Devices app.For those on the latest OS, this is a streamlined way to transfer files between iPhone and Windows 11.

Steps:

Step 1. Install the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone.

Step 3. In the sidebar, click Files.

Step 4. You will see a list of apps on your iPhone that support file sharing. You can drag and drop files directly into these app folders.

The Downside:

• App-Specific Restrictions: Unlike AnyViewer, which allows you to access the general file system, the Apple Devices app only lets you transfer files into specific app folders (like VLC or Acrobat). You cannot simply drop a file anywhere on your phone.
• Wired Dependency: While it’s faster than the old iTunes, it still primarily relies on a physical USB connection, which is inconvenient if you are on the move.

Conclusion

Choosing the best way to transfer files between iPhone and Windows 10 depends on your specific goal. While native tools like USB Explorer or iCloud work for basic photo swaps, they often come with storage limits.

For users who need a fast, wireless, and unrestricted solution, AnyViewer is the ultimate choice. It bridges the gap between Apple and Windows ecosystems, offering a secure and professional way to handle everything from small documents to massive 4K videos.

Ready to simplify your workflow? Download AnyViewer today and experience seamless file sharing across all your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use AirDrop to transfer files from iPhone to Windows 10?

No, AirDrop is a proprietary Apple technology that only works between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, and Mac). Windows 10 does not support AirDrop. However, you can achieve an "AirDrop-like" experience using AnyViewer, which allows for fast, wireless file transfers between iOS and Windows without the need for a cable.

2. Why is my Windows 10 PC not recognizing my iPhone?

This is a common issue that can be caused by several factors:

• Faulty Cable: Try using an original Apple MFi-certified cable.
• Trust Issues: Ensure you have unlocked your iPhone and tapped "Trust" when the pop-up appears.
• Drivers: You may need to update the "Apple Mobile Device USB Device" driver in the Windows Device Manager.
• Software Conflict: If your PC still doesn't see your phone, using a wireless solution like AnyViewer can bypass driver and cable issues entirely.

3. How do I transfer large video files (4K) from iPhone to Windows 10 without losing quality?

When you use cloud services or messaging apps, videos are often compressed. To maintain original quality:

• Wired: Use Windows File Explorer to drag and drop the original files.
• Wireless: Use AnyViewer. It supports large file transfers (up to 1TB for Pro users) and moves the actual file without applying any compression, ensuring your 4K footage remains crystal clear.

4. Is it possible to transfer files from Windows 10 back to an iPhone?

Yes, but it is more restricted than the other way around. While Windows File Explorer only allows you to "pull" photos from an iPhone, you can "push" files from a PC to an iPhone using AnyViewer, the Apple Devices app (into specific app folders), or iCloud Drive. AnyViewer is generally the most flexible as it handles various file types with ease.

5. What is the fastest way to transfer thousands of photos at once?

A wired connection via the Photos App is theoretically fast but often crashes during bulk transfers. For a more stable experience with thousands of items, AnyViewer is recommended because it manages the connection more efficiently than the standard Windows MTP protocol, reducing the risk of the transfer hanging halfway through.