User profile for user: HubFlyer
HubFlyer Author
User level: Level 1
17 points

How do I use iCloud for PC without an iOS device?

I have received an invitation to join an iCloud photo sharing location. I am not an Apple user, do not own an iOS device (or plan to in the near future).


I have created an iCloud Apple ID and have an iCloud account. I have downloaded and installed iCloud for Windows on my PC. However when I attempt to run the program, and enter my Apple ID and Password to sign in I get the following message:


Cannot Sign In

Your Apple ID must be used to setup iCloud on an iOS or OS X device before you can use iCloud for Windows.


Does this mean I can not access the iCloud photo sharing subscription since I do not have an iOS device to setup my account? Can iCloud photos only be shared with users that have at leaset one iOS device?


Thanks in advance.

PC/Laptop-OTHER, Windows 7

Posted on Nov 29, 2015 3:10 PM

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User profile for user: Roger Wilmut1
Roger Wilmut1
User level: Level 10
131,534 points

Posted on Dec 6, 2015 1:53 PM

You can create an Apple ID on an Windows PC but you cannot create an iCloud account - this is a separate additional process and unless you have been able to set one up on a Mac or an iOS device you don't have an iCloud account, only an Apple ID. Hence the error message you see.


iCloud accounts are basically positioned as a way for Mac/iOS users to sync their devices' data, and are a free service at starter level; the Windows Control Panel is aimed at Mac/iOS users who also happen to have a Windows PC. They are not intended for Windows-only users. Unless you can find a way to set up an iCloud device on a Mac or iOS device you will not be able to proceed.


iCloud photo sharing can be set up as either public or private - the former can be accessed in any web browser but private sharing requires you to have an iCloud account. If your source is not prepared to set up public sharing (which would be accessible to the world in general) you won't be able to access this without an iCloud account.

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User profile for user: Roger Wilmut1
Roger Wilmut1
User level: Level 10
131,534 points

Dec 6, 2015 1:53 PM in response to HubFlyer

You can create an Apple ID on an Windows PC but you cannot create an iCloud account - this is a separate additional process and unless you have been able to set one up on a Mac or an iOS device you don't have an iCloud account, only an Apple ID. Hence the error message you see.


iCloud accounts are basically positioned as a way for Mac/iOS users to sync their devices' data, and are a free service at starter level; the Windows Control Panel is aimed at Mac/iOS users who also happen to have a Windows PC. They are not intended for Windows-only users. Unless you can find a way to set up an iCloud device on a Mac or iOS device you will not be able to proceed.


iCloud photo sharing can be set up as either public or private - the former can be accessed in any web browser but private sharing requires you to have an iCloud account. If your source is not prepared to set up public sharing (which would be accessible to the world in general) you won't be able to access this without an iCloud account.

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How do I use iCloud for PC without an iOS device?

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