How to Transfer Files from iPhone to PC in 2025

We all come across this problem once in a while.

You want more free storage on your iPhone, want to revisit one of your great memories by going big on a desktop, or just want an extra layer of safety when backing up important iPhone data, so you want to transfer the files to your PC.

Well, whatever you want to do, we can assure you that you want to do it without iTunes. Why? While iTunes is good when it comes to fast and simplified backups, it gives users no flexibility whatsoever regarding the type of backup and data. Furthermore, we all know the horror stories of iTunes suddenly crashing during a backup, leaving the user with massive data loss and a faulty backup.

In addition, iTunes sometimes overwrites old backups if you don’t explicitly tell it not to, meaning, for instance, old photos that you might delete on your iPhone will also be gone on your backup if you let iTunes overwrite it with a new one.

Now, we value your time; we don’t want you to go through all of that hustle. That being said, we won’t leave a single stone unturned. Multiple methods are achieving as easy file transfer from your iPhone to your PC as possible. Let’s jump right into it and present you with the first one!

Transfer Files from iPhone to PC with AltTunes

Softorino’s AltTunes is a recent file transfer tool that’s already proving invaluable. With zero crashes and extensive file transfer options, AltTunes provides a hassle-free way to transfer files from iPhone to PC.

Step 1: Let’s get AltTunes on your machine!

After the download is completed, just install AltTunes like you for sure have done many times before!

Step 2: Connect your iPhone

Have you successfully installed AltTunes? Great! Now, it’s time to launch it and take the first step. We assume you want to copy files from your iPhone to your PC, so grab a cable and connect your iPhone to your desktop machine.

To clarify things from the beginning, AltTunes doesn’t differ whether you connect an iPhone or iPad. Basically, every Apple device is treated the same way. Do you have an iPad? Go ahead and connect that!

Connect your device, and AltTunes should automatically detect your iPhone. If it’s a first-time connection, your iPhone may ask you to trust the computer or enter your security pin, which we kindly ask you to do in order to proceed with the next steps.

If you’re having trouble, don’t give up yet; we may have a solution to help you if you’re having connection problems with your iPhone. Click on the link down below for some troubleshooting.

Click here to solve connection issues!

Step 3: From now on, it’s really up to you

You’ve made it. AltTunes just revealed its flexibility to you. From now on, you have a choice. Click yourself through the left side of the app to find out which type of data can be imported, exported, backed up, or organized.

With AltTunes, you can choose exactly which files to export, which is perfect if you’re only transferring specific media files. For a full device backup, use AltTunes' wizard to backup your iPhone without iCloud, giving you flexibility and the ability to browse files before restoring.

Step 4: Launch the backup wizard

Making a backup using AltTunes is equivalent to executing a full data transfer from your iPhone to your PC. The difference between AltTunes' backup and Apple's in-house one is the possibility of browsing through your backup with AltTunes. So, enough talking. Let’s start your backup! Click on your device in the top left corner. Next, simply click on “Backup” on the right side to start the backup wizard.

Step 5: Launch the backup

After launching the backup wizard, you have many options to customize the backup as you like. Whether you want full encryption, change the backup location, or automatically timed backups of a backup over Wi-Fi. altTunes gives you the possibility to customize your data transfer to the fullest.

Alright, that was fun. Now click on "Back Up" to initialize the backup. Make sure both your Windows PCs are plugged in, preventing them from running out of juice. The same goes for your iPhone. Furthermore, make sure they are connected using a strong Wi-Fi bond or a wired connection to finish the backup as fast as possible.

Wait a little moment and you’re done! That was easy, wasn't it?

Now, let's have a look at some other methods to make your data transfer as easy as possible

Method two: AirDrop’s doing its job!

Downloading third-party software seems pretty resistive for many iPhone users; they want to work with things just out of the box. There’s a ridiculous, easy-to-use method for that type of user. It lacks features and flexibility compared to AltTunes, but it will get the job done without downloading additional software while being strikingly fast and completely wireless. Let’s have a look at AirDrop.

But before you jump right into it, let’s ensure you can even use AirDrop. Unfortunately, this technology is Apple-exclusive, meaning you must use a Mac to get things done. If you’re a Windows user and still don’t want to download additional software, go ahead and have a look at our third method.

Step 1: Enable AirDrop on your iPhone & Mac

First, let’s ensure you’re running a Mac supporting AirDrop. For that, simply go into the “Go” section on the top taskbar of your Mac. On the dropdown menu, click on “AirDrop” to open its configuration window. If there’s no such application called “AirDrop,” you’re probably using an iMac that was created before the AirDrop technology was developed, meaning you won't be able to use it with your Mac.

If you open up AirDrop for the first time on your Mac, the software will ask you to configure your visibility to other Apple devices at the bottom of the software. We suggest choosing “Visible to Everyone.”

On iPhone, airdrop should be activated automatically. Still, your visibility can be changed by going into “Settings” -> “AirDrop” or by pressing long on the AirDrop icon in the quick setup.

Step 2: Just AirDrop stuff

As you will see, it doesn’t get any easier than the following: Do you want a picture transferred to your Mac or vice versa? Great. Just open the image or select multiple files and click on the share icon. Select Airdrop from the popup menu, select your Mac or iPhone, and, well, you’re done.

Give it a little while and make sure both devices are charged, but besides that, if you want a quick solution, there’s no need to transfer a lot of files.

This is your way to go!

Now, for all Windows users, Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered as well! Let’s find out how Mac and Windows users can simply copy over files to their Machine without using any software but their operating system. Let’s jump right into it!

Method three: File Explorer for the win!

This method is by far the easiest but also less intuitive for copying files from your iPhone to your PC. So, you’re fired up? Great, let’s jump right into it!

Step 1: Connect your iPhone

Connect your iPhone using a USB cable, then transfer photos from iPhone to computer by navigating to the device storage in File Explorer.

Step 2: Select files and drag'n'drop them!

If your iPhone is recognized by your machine, you’ve done everything right, and we’re ready to proceed. Go into the device section of your PC and double-click on your iPhone.

The internal storage opens itself up to you. Now, you can scroll through all of the data, which is obviously not organized. This is another downside of using the file explorer.

Localize the files you want to copy. For example, photos taken by the iPhone camera are located in the “DCIM” folder. Select all of the files you want to copy and simply drag and drop them into your desired location. Voila! You’re done!

With a little bit of knowledge and experience, you can localize all the different data types faster and faster. This app allows you to transfer any files to your PC, including music transfers and even contacts transfers This method has a little learning curve, but it’s definitely worth taking if you want to get things done as fast as possible.

Want a Cloud Backup? iCloud Alternatives

For added security, you may prefer using iCloud for photo and file backups. But if iCloud storage limits are restrictive, consider learning how to back up your iPhone via AltTunes to gain the flexibility and storage management you need without the hassle of iCloud limitations.

Going Beyond: External Hard Drives

Consider using an external hard drive for added backup space, particularly for larger libraries or long-term storage needs. With tools like AltTunes, transferring files to external storage is as easy as a few clicks.

Wrapping Up

Whichever method you choose, each offers a unique advantage – whether it’s flexibility, ease of use, or speed. Tools like AltTunes, AirDrop, and File Explorer provide reliable alternatives to iTunes, so you can ensure your data is safe, accessible, and right where you want it.

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