iCloud is the cloud storage and synchronization platform for Apple devices. It comes with 5 GB free storage and you can purchase additional space for a nominal monthly fee. When you are using Windows 11 PC and Apple devices like Mac, iPhone or iPad, it will be a hassle to transfer photos. Fortunately, Apple has an iCloud app for Windows which you can use to view all iCloud photos in Windows 11 Photos app.
Installing iCloud App in Windows 11
Open Microsoft Photos app in your Windows 11 PC and click on the “iCloud Photos” icon showing on the sidebar. Click the “Get iCloud for Windows” button to open Microsoft Store.
If you are not seeing iCloud Photos icon on the sidebar, click on the gear “Settings” icon on top title bar. Turn on “Show iCloud Photos” option under “Personalization” section.
Click the “Get” button to download and install iCloud app on your PC.
iCloud Sync Options
After installing, launch the iCloud app. You will see a message mentioning the following items will be synced from your Apple account to Windows PC.
- iCloud Drive content to File Explorer app.
- iCloud Photos to Microsoft Photos app.
- Import passwords and bookmarks from Safari to Edge browser.
- Sync Calendars and Contacts to Outlook.
Login with Apple Account
Click the “Get Started” button and you will be prompted to login with your Apple iCloud account. Type your email, password and click on the “Sign In” button.
You will receive a notification for two step verification on your Apple device and “Allow” to use the login.
Note down the verification code and enter the same in Windows PC to confirm login with your iCloud account.
Enabling iCloud Photos Sync
After successful login, you will see a wizard showing syncing options. These options depend on the items you have enabled in your iCloud account. For synching photos, click on the “Sync Photos” button in first step.
Click the “Advanced Settings” link to view the location where the synced photos will be saved in your Windows PC.
If you do not want to sync iCloud Drive and other items, simply click “Not Now” link to skip that step.
Viewing Photos in Windows Photos App
Now that you have enabled synchronizing photos, go to Windows Photos app. click on the “iCloud Photos” icon and view all your photos from Apple devices.
Managing iCloud Sync and App
Launch iCloud app to view the list of items you have opted for syncing. As mentioned, these items depend on your iCloud settings in Mac or iPhone. Click any of the item to turn on or off the sync.
iCloud app will install few other additional apps depending upon your sync settings:
- iCloud Password
- iCloud for Outlook
- iCloud Shared Albums
You can logout of your iCloud account and then delete the app to remove all synced content from Windows PC. Uninstalling the main iCloud app will also remove most other apps. You can go to “Settings > Apps > Installed Apps” section to find any residual apps are left over and uninstall them if required.
