How to download iCloud photos on Windows and Mac

In this tutorial, we will show you three ways to download the photos and videos you have in iCloud to your Mac or Windows PC.

Once you have the photos saved locally, you can back them up elsewhere, edit them with software, or work with them as you please.

Accessing iCloud Photos in a web browser on MacBook

Using the iCloud website

One way to download your photos, regardless of the type of computer you have, is by using iCloud in a web browser.

1) Head to iCloud.com and log in with your Apple account credentials.

2) Once you’re logged in, click Photos.

3) You now have access to all your iCloud Photos on the web. Choose the Library or Album where the photos you want to download are located. If you do not see the sidebar, click the tiny sidebar icon from the top left corner.

4) Select your photos. You can do one at a time, but if you want to download many, just hold down your Command key and click each photo. Depending on the number of photos you have, you can also press Command + A to select all images at once. Remember to use the Ctrl key if you are on a Windows PC.

5) Click the Download button on the top right.

Downloading photos using iCloud's website

Note that you may be asked to choose from Unmodified Originals or Most Compatible per your preference.

Using the Windows iCloud app

If you work with a Windows computer and also use iCloud, you probably have the iCloud app on your computer. If not, you can grab it from Apple’s website. Then, do the following to download all of your photos once you sign into the app.

iCloud Main Windows Screen

1) If the Photos option is not checked, you can check the box or select Options. Either action will pop open the Photos screen.

2) Check iCloud Photo Library or My Photo Stream, depending on where the photos you want are located.

3) Check Download new photos and videos to my PC. You can click the Change button to choose a different folder location on your computer if you like.

4) Click Done.

iCloud Windows Photos Screen Download

Using the Mac Photos app

The Photos app on your Mac is the easiest place to download your photos from iCloud.

1) Open Photos and select the Library or Album where the photos you want are located.

2) Click one at a time while pressing Command to select several photos, or click Command + A to select them all. You can also choose a range of photos by clicking the first one, holding down the Shift key, and then clicking the last one in the range.

3) Click File from the menu bar and choose Export.

4) Select either Export X Photos or Export Unmodified Original For X Photos per your preference.

5) Follow the prompts to select the location for your photos.

Download iCloud Photos on Mac

And if you’re interested in doing more with your photos, check out our tutorials on sharing iPhone photos using a link and deleting multiple iCloud photos at once.