4 Best Ways to Transfer Files From Apple iPad to PC
Data transfer from an iPad to Mac is smooth with AirDrop, but not when moving files from an iPad to a Windows PC. To transfer files from an iPad to a PC, you’ll need to use iTunes, cloud storage, or an FTP server. Here are the top ways to transfer files from an iPad to a PC.
Moving files from an iPad to a PC can be a cumbersome process. Here, we’ll explore Apple’s official method and other tricks to simplify the task.
1. Use iTunes
Apple has retired iTunes on Mac, but it is still the go-to software for managing your iPhone or iPad on Windows. Follow these steps to transfer files from iPad to PC using iTunes.
Step 1: Download and install iTunes from the Microsoft Store on Windows.
Step 2: Open iTunes and connect your iPad to a PC using a data cable.
Step 3: Grant permission for the Windows device to recognize your iPad.
Step 4: The device icon will appear in the top left corner of iTunes. The software will ask for permission to access iPad data. Press Continue.
Press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer, click on ‘This PC’ in the left column, and your Apple iPad will appear on the list.
Select your iPad and check the device storage. Move your files to the PC.
Using iTunes on Windows is a below-average experience. The software looks dated and you might face issues with the data cable connection. Read on to find the top ways to transfer files from iPad to PC without iTunes.
iCloud is the default cloud storage on iPad. You can upload photos, videos, and files to iCloud and access them through the iCloud app or iCloud web on Windows. To enable iCloud upload on iPad, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select your account and open iCloud from the menu.
3. Choose Photos.
Step 3: Enable the ‘Sync this iPad’ toggle.
If you have PDFs and other documents, you can use the Files app on your iPad and move them to a relevant folder in iCloud Drive. Let’s access and move your uploaded files to the PC.
Step 1: Open iCloud website in a browser on your Windows computer.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple account details and complete the authentication process.
Step 3: Open Photos and select media files. Download them and save on your PC.
Step 4: Select iCloud Drive from the homepage to download PDFs and documents.
To avoid visiting iCloud web repeatedly, set up iCloud on Windows to access photos and folders directly from the File Explorer menu. Refer to our guide on adding iCloud to File Explorer on Windows. Additionally, with a native iCloud app, you can easily access your iCloud password on your PC.
Not everyone prefers iCloud for storing sensitive data online. Microsoft’s OneDrive is a good alternative and is included with Windows. Additionally, if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you get 1TB of storage on OneDrive.
To use OneDrive on your iPad, follow these steps:
1. Install OneDrive on your iPad.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Select and upload photos or files from your iPad using the iPadOS share menu.
Step 4: Successfully upload files to OneDrive.
Step 5: On your Windows computer, press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer. Select OneDrive from the left column to check the files you uploaded to iPad.
4. Establish an FTP Server
FTP is an effective method to transfer files from iPad to PC. We will use the FE File Explorer app to establish an FTP connection on the PC.
Step 1: Download the FE File Explorer app from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the app and grant permission to access photos and device content.
Step 3: Select photos you want to transfer and move them to any folder in the ‘My Files’ tab.
Step 4: Tap the Settings gear.
Step 5: Select ‘Built-in Servers.’
Step 6: Note down the FTP Server URL.
Step 7: Open File Explorer on Windows and type the FTP server name in the address bar.
Step 8: Notice the ‘My Files’ folders in the file manager.
Step 9: Choose files to move to the PC. Step 10: Right-click and select ‘Copy to Folder’.
Select a folder on your PC to move the iPad files.
If you prefer a data cable connection, iTunes is the best option to transfer files from an iPad to a PC. Cloud storage is an alternative, but it may use a large amount of internet data. FTP server via FE File Manager also works without any issue. Which method do you find most convenient? Share your pick in the comments.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
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