I'm trying to access and download pictures and videos from my iCloud to my PC. When I open the iCloud folder, many of these files are tagged 'available when online'. Well! I AM online. How do I convince iCloud that I'm online?

Hello, I managed to download all the items by going into the "iCloud Photos" folder, then I selected the first photo that hadn't been downloaded yet (has the cloud icon) and went to the end of the file list, I selected them all, and I right-clicked on the selection and chose "Open." This started downloading all the photos from the cloud.

Hi RollickingReveler :)

Welcome to the Apple Community,

where some of us do our best to help each other troubleshoot.

Wondering if you have been going to iCloud.com for the downloads ?

Apple support have an article online:

Download iCloud photos and videos

Says:

On your Mac or PC

• On iCloud.com, click Photos and select a photo or video.

Hold the command key on your Mac or control key on your PC to select multiple photos or videos. 

• Click and hold the download button  in the upper corner of the window.

If you want to download your photo or video as it was originally captured or imported, choose Unmodified Original.

For JPEG or H.264 format — including edits,

and even if it was originally in HEIF or HEVC format — choose Most Compatible.*

• Click Download.

If your photos download as a ZIP archive, learn how to uncompress the folder on your Mac or your PC. 

Complete article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209454

Hope this helps you :-)

Sorry, as you posted your question in iCloud Community, thought that was the answer you wanted.

You can import photos to your PC by connecting your iPhone to your computer and using the Windows Photos app:

Try this Apple support article:

Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Scroll down to: "Import to your Windows PC

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201302

All the best :-)

Hi

I'm getting more and more disappointed in Apple. Why did Apple decided to make it impossible to simply connect your phone to a PC, download MY photos so I can use them for MY purpose. Apple is continuously forcing customers to use Apple software, cloud servies, multiple verification layers. It becomes a never ending frustartion to use iPhones.

So please please please make the expensive devices we buy from Apple, user friendly.

thanks