Set up and use iCloud for Windows

With iCloud for Windows, the photos, documents, and bookmarks on your PC are updated automatically on your Apple devices.

Before you begin

Make sure that you set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch or Mac and that you’re signed in with your Apple ID. Then follow the steps below to download and set up iCloud for Windows.

Want to access iCloud’s latest features? See the recommended system requirements. iCloud requires an Internet connection. iCloud might not be available in all areas and features vary. If you use a Managed Apple ID, iCloud for Windows isn’t supported.

Set up iCloud for Windows

1. Download iCloud for Windows on your PC.
   • Windows 10: Go to the Microsoft Store to download iCloud for Windows.
   • Earlier versions of Windows*: Download iCloud for Windows from apple.com.
   • If it doesn’t install automatically, go to File Explorer and open iCloud Setup.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Make sure iCloud for Windows is open. If it doesn’t open automatically, go to Start, open Apps or Programs, and open iCloud for Windows.
4. Enter your Apple ID to sign in to iCloud.
5. Choose the features and content that you want to keep up to date across your devices.
   
6. Click Apply.

Download and share your photos

When you turn on Photos, iCloud for Windows creates a Photos folder in File Explorer called iCloud Photos. iCloud Photos uploads new photos and videos that you add to the iCloud Photos folder on your PC so you can see them in the Photos app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, and on iCloud.com. New photos and videos you take automatically download from iCloud Photos.

Share your photos

You can also share your photos. Shared Albums lets you view, share, and comment on the photos and videos you share with other people. And if you use the latest version of iCloud for Windows, you can pin photos to keep them local to your device. When you unpin them, they upload to iCloud instead.

See your files and folders with iCloud Drive

When you turn on iCloud Drive, iCloud for Windows creates an iCloud Drive folder in File Explorer. You can find documents that you’ve stored in iCloud in this folder. When you create a file on your PC and save it to the iCloud Drive folder, it also appears on your other devices.

If you want to work on files with friends or colleagues, you can share individual files or create a shared folder to share a group of files. You can also pin files and folders so you can use them offline, and easily check the status of a download or shared file. In iCloud for Windows 12, you can find and recover files deleted from iCloud Drive in the past 30 days in Recently Deleted in iOS, iPadOS, or iCloud.com, in Trash in macOS, and in Recycle Bin in Windows. If you use Delete or Delete All in Recently Deleted or empty the Trash in macOS, files aren’t recoverable. If you don’t see the files you wish to restore, you can recover files deleted within the last 30 days at iCloud.com.

You can also access your iCloud Drive files and folders at iCloud.com.

If you receive an error when you try to move a file from iCloud for Windows, you might need to download the file to your Windows PC. After you download the file, try moving it again.

Keep your apps up to date

When you use iCloud on all of your devices, you can keep your Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks* updated no matter which device you’re using. Just make sure iCloud is set up on your PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac using the steps below.

* On a Mac or iOS device, you see Reminders instead of Tasks.

On your PC

1. Open iCloud for Windows.
2. Select Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks then click Apply.
3. You’ll see your iCloud Mail account in the folder pane on the left side of Microsoft Outlook 2007 through Outlook 2016.

If you sign in to iCloud using a third-party Mail app outside of iCloud for Windows, learn how to create an app-specific password to keep information up to date on your devices.

Set up iCloud on your Windows PC

Learn how to set up iCloud on all of your devices. The rest is automatic.

For the best iCloud experience, make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements.

Download iCloud for Windows

iCloud for Windows lets you access your files, photos, contacts, calendars, and more on your Apple devices and your Windows PC.

Want to access iCloud’s latest features? See the recommended system requirements. If you’re not sure which Windows system you use, find out. iCloud requires an Internet connection. iCloud might not be available in all areas and features vary. If you use a Managed Apple ID, iCloud for Windows isn’t supported.

Sign in to iCloud

After you download iCloud for Windows, sign in using the Apple ID that you use on your Apple devices.

Have questions about Apple ID?

Choose the iCloud services that you want to use

After you turn on iCloud, select the services that you want to use and click Apply.

For example, if you turn on iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive, iCloud for Windows creates new folders for those files in File Explorer. Now, the files that you add to the iCloud folders automatically appear on your Apple devices.

If you have photos on your PC that you want to see on your iPhone or iPad, upload photos from your PC to iCloud.

Find the storage plan that’s right for you

One safe place for all your photos, files, and more

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Set up and use iCloud for Windows

With iCloud for Windows, the photos, documents, and bookmarks on your PC are updated automatically on your Apple devices.

Before you begin

Make sure that you set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch or Mac and that you’re signed in with your Apple ID. Then follow the steps below to download and set up iCloud for Windows.

Want to access iCloud’s latest features? See the recommended system requirements. iCloud requires an Internet connection. iCloud might not be available in all areas and features vary. If you use a Managed Apple ID, iCloud for Windows isn’t supported.

Set up iCloud for Windows

1. Download iCloud for Windows on your PC.
   • Windows 10: Go to the Microsoft Store to download iCloud for Windows.
   • Earlier versions of Windows*: Download iCloud for Windows from apple.com.
   • If it doesn’t install automatically, go to File Explorer and open iCloud Setup.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Make sure iCloud for Windows is open. If it doesn’t open automatically, go to Start, open Apps or Programs, and open iCloud for Windows.
4. Enter your Apple ID to sign in to iCloud.
5. Choose the features and content that you want to keep up to date across your devices.
   
6. Click Apply.

Download and share your photos

When you turn on Photos, iCloud for Windows creates a Photos folder in File Explorer called iCloud Photos. iCloud Photos uploads new photos and videos that you add to the iCloud Photos folder on your PC so you can see them in the Photos app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, and on iCloud.com. New photos and videos you take automatically download from iCloud Photos.

Share your photos

You can also share your photos. Shared Albums lets you view, share, and comment on the photos and videos you share with other people. And if you use the latest version of iCloud for Windows, you can pin photos to keep them local to your device. When you unpin them, they upload to iCloud instead.

See your files and folders with iCloud Drive

When you turn on iCloud Drive, iCloud for Windows creates an iCloud Drive folder in File Explorer. You can find documents that you’ve stored in iCloud in this folder. When you create a file on your PC and save it to the iCloud Drive folder, it also appears on your other devices.

If you want to work on files with friends or colleagues, you can share individual files or create a shared folder to share a group of files. You can also pin files and folders so you can use them offline, and easily check the status of a download or shared file. In iCloud for Windows 12, you can find and recover files deleted from iCloud Drive in the past 30 days in Recently Deleted in iOS, iPadOS, or iCloud.com, in Trash in macOS, and in Recycle Bin in Windows. If you use Delete or Delete All in Recently Deleted or empty the Trash in macOS, files aren’t recoverable. If you don’t see the files you wish to restore, you can recover files deleted within the last 30 days at iCloud.com.

You can also access your iCloud Drive files and folders at iCloud.com.

If you receive an error when you try to move a file from iCloud for Windows, you might need to download the file to your Windows PC. After you download the file, try moving it again.

Keep your apps up to date

When you use iCloud on all of your devices, you can keep your Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks* updated no matter which device you’re using. Just make sure iCloud is set up on your PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac using the steps below.

* On a Mac or iOS device, you see Reminders instead of Tasks.

On your PC

1. Open iCloud for Windows.
2. Select Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks then click Apply.
3. You’ll see your iCloud Mail account in the folder pane on the left side of Microsoft Outlook 2007 through Outlook 2016.

If you sign in to iCloud using a third-party Mail app outside of iCloud for Windows, learn how to create an app-specific password to keep information up to date on your devices.

Download iCloud for Windows

With iCloud for Windows, you’ll have your photos, videos, mail, calendar, files, and other important information on the go and on your Windows PC.

Here’s what you need

• Make sure that your PC or Microsoft Surface is updated to the latest version of Windows 10.*
• Have your Apple ID and password ready. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one.

Make the most of iCloud for Windows

When you download and set up iCloud on your Windows PC, your photos, videos, mail, files, and bookmarks are accessible on all of your devices.

If you need help, you can find solutions to common issues or learn more about iCloud for Windows.

Want to access iCloud’s latest features? See the system requirements for iCloud. You can also learn about the security content of this update. If you use a Managed Apple ID, iCloud for Windows isn’t supported.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Set up and use iCloud for Windows

With iCloud for Windows, the photos, documents, and bookmarks on your PC are updated automatically on your Apple devices.

Before you begin

Make sure that you set up iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch or Mac and that you’re signed in with your Apple ID. Then follow the steps below to download and set up iCloud for Windows.

Want to access iCloud’s latest features? See the recommended system requirements. iCloud requires an Internet connection. iCloud might not be available in all areas and features vary. If you use a Managed Apple ID, iCloud for Windows isn’t supported.

Set up iCloud for Windows

1. Download iCloud for Windows on your PC.
   • Windows 10: Go to the Microsoft Store to download iCloud for Windows.
   • Earlier versions of Windows*: Download iCloud for Windows from apple.com.
   • If it doesn’t install automatically, go to File Explorer and open iCloud Setup.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Make sure iCloud for Windows is open. If it doesn’t open automatically, go to Start, open Apps or Programs, and open iCloud for Windows.
4. Enter your Apple ID to sign in to iCloud.
5. Choose the features and content that you want to keep up to date across your devices.
   
6. Click Apply.

Download and share your photos

When you turn on Photos, iCloud for Windows creates a Photos folder in File Explorer called iCloud Photos. iCloud Photos uploads new photos and videos that you add to the iCloud Photos folder on your PC so you can see them in the Photos app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac, and on iCloud.com. New photos and videos you take automatically download from iCloud Photos.

Share your photos

You can also share your photos. Shared Albums lets you view, share, and comment on the photos and videos you share with other people. And if you use the latest version of iCloud for Windows, you can pin photos to keep them local to your device. When you unpin them, they upload to iCloud instead.

See your files and folders with iCloud Drive

When you turn on iCloud Drive, iCloud for Windows creates an iCloud Drive folder in File Explorer. You can find documents that you’ve stored in iCloud in this folder. When you create a file on your PC and save it to the iCloud Drive folder, it also appears on your other devices.

If you want to work on files with friends or colleagues, you can share individual files or create a shared folder to share a group of files. You can also pin files and folders so you can use them offline, and easily check the status of a download or shared file. In iCloud for Windows 12, you can find and recover files deleted from iCloud Drive in the past 30 days in Recently Deleted in iOS, iPadOS, or iCloud.com, in Trash in macOS, and in Recycle Bin in Windows. If you use Delete or Delete All in Recently Deleted or empty the Trash in macOS, files aren’t recoverable. If you don’t see the files you wish to restore, you can recover files deleted within the last 30 days at iCloud.com.

You can also access your iCloud Drive files and folders at iCloud.com.

If you receive an error when you try to move a file from iCloud for Windows, you might need to download the file to your Windows PC. After you download the file, try moving it again.

Keep your apps up to date

When you use iCloud on all of your devices, you can keep your Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks* updated no matter which device you’re using. Just make sure iCloud is set up on your PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac using the steps below.

* On a Mac or iOS device, you see Reminders instead of Tasks.

On your PC

1. Open iCloud for Windows.
2. Select Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks then click Apply.
3. You’ll see your iCloud Mail account in the folder pane on the left side of Microsoft Outlook 2007 through Outlook 2016.

If you sign in to iCloud using a third-party Mail app outside of iCloud for Windows, learn how to create an app-specific password to keep information up to date on your devices.