Export iCloud
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Download all your iCloud photos to a Windows PC

Export iCloud for Windows copies your entire iCloud Photos library to your PC or an external drive in original quality — without syncing it through iCloud for Windows first.

Download for WindowsWindows 10 / 11 · 64-bit
200 free files every month No credit card required v0.1.0 · What's new
Export iCloud on Windows exporting photos to H:\photos

Why not just use iCloud for Windows?

iCloud for Windows is built for syncing, not exporting. It mirrors your library into File Explorer, downloads on its own schedule, and — because it’s a two-way sync — deleting a photo from that folder deletes it from iCloud and all your devices too. For large libraries, waiting for everything to download can take days.

Downloading from iCloud.com in a browser is limited to 1,000 items at a time and leaves you with a pile of ZIP files to unpack.

Export iCloud is a dedicated export tool: sign in, pick a folder, click Start.

How to download iCloud photos to your PC

  1. Download Export iCloud for Windows and run the installer (or use the portable ZIP).
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and enter the two-factor code from your iPhone.
  3. Choose the export folder — for example D:\iCloud Photos or an external drive like E:\.
  4. Pick Export Only to keep everything in iCloud, or Export and Delete to also free up iCloud storage.
  5. Click Start Export. Progress, the current file name and your remaining quota update live.

Your photos land in the folder as original files named by date, ready for the Windows Photos app, Lightroom, or any backup tool.

Back up to an external drive or NAS

Choose any drive letter or mapped network share as the export path. See how to move iCloud photos to an external hard drive.

Requirements

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit
  • An Apple ID with access to two-factor codes
  • Enough free disk space for the items you export (roughly the size shown in iCloud storage settings for Photos)

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Mac version?
Yes. Export iCloud runs on both Windows and macOS. Get both from the download page.
macOS says the app "cannot be opened". What should I do?
The Mac build is not yet notarized by Apple, so Gatekeeper may block the first launch. Right-click (or Control-click) the app and choose Open, or go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway. The download page shows each step with screenshots, and there is also a PDF guide.
Windows SmartScreen shows a warning. Is that normal?
New installers without an established reputation can trigger SmartScreen. Click More info → Run anyway to continue. You can also use the portable ZIP version, which needs no installation.
What are the system requirements?
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), or a recent version of macOS. You need an internet connection, your Apple ID with access to two-factor codes, and enough free disk space for the photos and videos you export.
How do I update the app?
Open Help in the app and click Check for updates. If a new version is available the app opens the download for you. You can also always grab the latest version from the download page and see what changed in the changelog.

Take your photos back from iCloud

Download your whole iCloud Photos library to your computer in original quality — then free up the space you're paying for.

Download for WindowsWindows 10 / 11 · 64-bit Download for MacFor macOS · ZIP
200 free files every month No credit card required v0.1.0 · What's new