Can't download photos from iCloud on Windows 10

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Level 1

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Can't download photos from iCloud on Windows 10

I have reinstalled iCloud on my Windows 10 PC through the Windows Store but I can't download photos from iCloud. On iCloud settings, when I click "Options" next to photos, I can only either check on "iCloud Photos" or "My Shared Albums" (see image). How can I activate the download option on my PC?

Side note: I had installed an old version of the iCloud app with which I could download photos, but I can't do it anymore with this update.

Thanks in advance

Posted on May 11, 2020 11:49 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,467 points

May 11, 2020 1:08 PM in response to AndRemy

I've seen other reports here about the same change in the Photos Options window in iCloud for Windows but I'm not sure what the reason is. Have you tried just using Windows File Explorer as described below from Set up and use iCloud Photos on your Windows PC - Apple Support

Download your photos and videos from iCloud Photos

New photos and videos you add to iCloud Photos will automatically download to your PC. You can also download your collection by year when you follow these steps:

Open a File Explorer window.
Under Favorites, click iCloud Photos.
Click Download photos and videos.
Choose the photos and videos you want to download and click Download.

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Answer 2

AndRemy Author

Level 1

12 points

May 14, 2020 1:20 PM in response to FoxFifth

Thanks. I have been testing this option for a few days now, and it had covered my needs so far. The one feature I liked from the previous "Download" option is that it stored the photos by year folders, which I found helpful; now I have to do it manually.

Thanks again for your help

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Answer 3

SighCy

Level 1

4 points

Jun 7, 2020 9:49 AM in response to FoxFifth

This does not work. I just got a new computer and when I go to set up iCloud I can't see shared albums, can't download things by year like I used to be able to. And I only see those two options. Does it take time to sync?

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Answer 4

ads1980

Level 1

4 points

Jun 23, 2020 3:49 AM in response to FoxFifth

I have exactly the same issue - when I use the icloud for windows app I don't have an option to download photos. The app install hasn't created a file explorer folder for icloud photos, just for any shared albums. I can view all of my photos through icloud on the web but not through the app. If anyone has a solution, please help as it's really frustrating me now

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