is icloud photo library cross platform?

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Level 1

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is icloud photo library cross platform?

Hello.

I haven't updated to Photos yet but want to use iCloud Photo Library. I have all Apple products but would like to know I can access my library from a Windows machine and download any (or all) items there to store locally. I wanted a cloud-based back-up and I'd like access those photos from anywhere.

What is the process for this? Do I just sign in and tap the cloud icon and download to local storage?

Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Jun 12, 2015 3:01 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 12, 2015 3:04 PM in response to pinkapplemac

Yes. If you want to do so on your Windows, you'll have to install iTunes on it and then install iCloud. Just make sure everything is enabled so that it backs up your photos.

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Answer 2

léonie

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Jun 12, 2015 3:06 PM in response to pinkapplemac

You can access iCloud Photo Library using the web interface from the Photos.app at https://www.icloud.com.

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Answer 3

pinkapplemac Author

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Jun 12, 2015 3:14 PM in response to pinkapplemac

So anywhere, anytime I can download TO any platform?

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Answer 4

pinkapplemac Author

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Jun 12, 2015 3:19 PM in response to léonie

i don't have to have itunes installed?

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Answer 5

léonie

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Jun 12, 2015 3:21 PM in response to pinkapplemac

As long as you are using a recommended web browser, yes, see this page: Use iCloud.com

and for the recommended Browsers: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204230

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Answer 6

pinkapplemac Author

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Jun 12, 2015 3:42 PM in response to léonie

To be clear, browser requirements but iTunes does NOT have to be installed?

sorry to be obtuse. I thought that only one install is allowed per account for itunes.

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Answer 7

LarryHN

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Jun 12, 2015 3:57 PM in response to pinkapplemac

Yes as clearly explained in the links Léonie posted

LN

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Answer 8

pinkapplemac Author

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Jun 12, 2015 4:30 PM in response to LarryHN

thank you. The itunes post

in the thread confused me.

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Answer 9

LarryHN

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Jun 12, 2015 5:10 PM in response to pinkapplemac

There is more than one way to skin a cat!

LN

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Answer 10

léonie

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Jun 12, 2015 11:25 PM in response to pinkapplemac

thank you. The itunes post

in the thread confused me.

It depends on the cloud service you are using. The web interface will give you access to the iCloud Photo Library, and also to iCloud Drive. You can use iTunes and the iCloud panel on a PC, if you want to access Shared Albums (Photo Streams) from a PC (see: iCloud: iCloud Photo Sharing FAQ). Shared albums are stored in a different part of iCloud from the iCloud Photo Library. iCloud has many different services, so it is a bit cloudy. 😁

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Answer 11

pinkapplemac Author

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Jun 13, 2015 5:44 AM in response to léonie

Thank you! I have iTunes on my Mac. Wanted to be sure I coukd access my library anywhere anytime without an account install. 🙂

Now to be brave enough to update and hope all goes flawlessly!

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Answer 12

léonie

Level 10

200,699 points

Jun 13, 2015 7:05 AM in response to pinkapplemac

Good Luck! 🙂

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