4 Ways to Transfer Photos from iPad to Laptop Quickly

Alice MJ

Jan 11, 2024 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

Nowadays, technology is by our side no matter what we do, whether we’re sharing content on our social media pages, chatting with friends across the world, playing games to pass the time, or keeping up with the latest news happening all over the world.

As an iPad or iPhone user, you’ll already be well aware of the best features, the high-definition camera. This revolutionary camera has changed the way we share our worlds with our family and friends, allowing us to capture memories that can last a lifetime. A snapshot into some of our best moments.

However, it’s so important that we back up these pictures, or we risk losing them forever, and what better way is there than to transfer them to our laptops for safekeeping? Now, you may be wondering, ‘how do I transfer photos from iPad to laptop?’

Today, we’re going to explore four essential methods for transferring your favorite photos to your laptop, so you can keep them safe and sound.

Method #1 - Transfer Photos from iPad to Laptop Using Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS)

By far, the easiest method to learn how to transfer photos from iPad to laptop is using third-party software known as Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS). Here’s how to transfer photos from iPad to laptop.

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Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS)

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Step #1 - Installing Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS)

Download the software to your laptop. The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and there’s even a free trial to get you started.

Once downloaded, install the software on your computer using the installation wizard. You can follow the on-screen instructions to do this. Your laptop may need to restart during this process. When you’ve installed Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS), open it.

Step #2 - Connecting Your iPad or iPhone

Once you’re on the main menu of Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS), connect your iPad or iPhone to your laptop using a USB cable or lightning cable.

You’ll see the device connected to the main menu. If you’ve never connected your device to your laptop before, you may need to accept the ‘Trusted Computer’ notification on your device.

launch Dr.Fone

Step #3 - Transfer Photos from iPad to laptop

On the main menu, click the “Phone Manager” option, followed by the ‘Transfer Device Photos to PC’. This will open a folder menu where you’ll be able to choose the location where you want photos to be stored on your laptop. Find your location, click ‘Transfer,’ and your photos will be backed up on your laptop.

transfer photos to laptop

Method #2 - Transfer Photos from iPad to laptop using Autoplay

Still asking, ‘how do I transfer photos from iPad to laptop?’ While this is perhaps the easiest way to transfer your files, it’s also the riskiest, and you can easily transfer malware or viruses from your iPad or iPhone onto your laptop. This method will work on Windows laptops only.

Step #1 - Connecting Your Device

Connect your device to your laptop using the lightning or USB cable. As soon as your laptop recognizes your device, it will show the Autoplay window.

connect the device

If you have never connected your device to your laptop before, your laptop may automatically have first to download and install the correct drivers. You may also need to accept the ‘Trusted Computers’ notification on your device.

Step #2 - How to Download Photos from iPad to laptop

Click ‘Import pictures and videos’. From here, your laptop will scan your device for possible photos and videos that can be saved.

download photos from ipad

Go through your media files and select the photos you wish to transfer before clicking ‘Next’. You’ll then be able to pick the location on your laptop where you want them to save before completing the transfer process.

Method #3 - Transfer Photos from iPad to laptop using Windows Explorer

This is similar to the method above, but you’ll have a lot more control over which photos you’re transferring and where you want them to go. This is especially effective if your photos are stored in abnormal folders or third-party apps on your device.

Step #1 - Connecting Your Device

Start by connecting your iPad or iPhone to your laptop using the lightning or USB cable. Your Windows computer will recognize the device but may need first to install some drivers. You may also need to accept the ‘Trusted Computers’ notification on your device if you haven’t connected before.

Step #2 - Locating Your Photos in Windows Explorer

Open the Windows Explorer on your laptop. Using the menu on the left, click on ‘My PC,’ and you’ll see your iOS device listed.

locate photos in Windows Explorer

Double click through the folders to a folder named ‘DCIM’. You’ll find a collection of folders with random names. Click through these folders, and you’ll find your photos.

Step #3 - How to Download Photos from iPad to laptop

Find the files that you wish to transfer and highlight them by holding down Shift and clicking. You can also press Shift + A to select all photos in a folder.

download photos from ipad to laptop

Right-click and press ‘Copy’. Open up another File Explorer window and navigate to the location where you want to store your photos. Click ‘Paste’ in this location, and your photos will be transferred onto your laptop.

Method #4 - Transfer Photos from iPad to Laptop iCloud

This final method on how to transfer photos from iPad to laptop is the official transfer method provided by Apple, but it does require you to download iCloud for Windows.

Step #1 - Setting Up iCloud for Windows

Download iCloud for Windows from the Apple website. Once downloaded, open and install the software by following the on-screen instructions, once installed, open iCloud for Windows.

Step #2 - How to Download Photos from iPad to laptop

On iCloud for Windows, click Photos and then ‘Options.’ Here, you’ll be able to see all the transfer options that are available to you. At the top, select the ‘iCloud Photo Library’ and then work your way down the options, choosing the folders in which you want your photos to be saved on your laptop.

photos options

Now when you save your photos to your iCloud account, you’ll be able to access them on your laptop in the folder that you selected in the Options menu above.

These are the four essential methods you need to know when it comes to answering how do I transfer photos from iPad to laptop quickly. All the purposes listed above are fast, reliable and will allow you to save and backup your most treasured photos, so you don’t have to risk losing them forever.

Alice MJ

staff Editor

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