Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes: 5 Fast Ways

How to transfer files from iPhone to PC without iTunes? This guide covers 5 proven methods: FoneTool (fastest), File Explorer, Bluetooth, iCloud & Google Drive. Complete instructions included.

Kelsey by Kelsey Updated October 23, 2025
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How to transfer files from iPhone to PC without iTunes?

I filmed 10 or more scenes with FilmicPRO today and want to edit them on my work PC. I can’t install iTunes on my PC as I don’t have rights to install it. Is there a way to transfer these files from filmicPro or from the files app on the iPhone to my PC?

- Question from Reddit

Why Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Without iTunes?

Important files on your iPhone, such as photos, videos, contacts, and messages, are vital for editing, viewing, or sharing. Transferring them to a Windows computer is often necessary. While iTunes is the official sync software, its illogical interface, unstable transfer process, and frequent errors like iTunes error 8003 often cause user frustration.

So, can you transfer files from iPhone to Windows without iTunes? Absolutely! This guide provides the most suitable methods.

Method Connection Storage Limitation Large File Transfer Effectiveness
FoneTool Wired   No Limitation   Super-Fast High - 3 Steps
File Explorer Wired No Limitation Medium   Medium - Choose Files from Different Folders  
Bluetooth Wireless No Limitation Slow Low - Limited File Formats/Number
iCloud Wireless 5 GB for free   Depends on Internet   Medium - Manually upload and download
Google Drive Wireless 15 GB for free Depends on Internet Medium - Manually upload and download

Option 1. Transfer Files from iPhone to PC via FoneTool (Free & Fast)

You may ask: “how do I open iPhone files on my PC?”, FoneTool is a powerful iPhone data transfer solution designed for simplicity and speed.

FoneTool

Powerful iPhone/iPad Data Transfer software

  • Wide File Support: Transfer photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more.
  • Extremely Fast: Move 100+ full-resolution photos in under a minute.
  • Selective Backup: Choose only the files you need to transfer.
  • Secure USB Connection: Ensures a stable and safe transfer process.
  • Flexible Storage: Save files directly to your PC or an external drive.
  • Full Compatibility: Supports all iPhone models and the latest iOS versions.

Follow this simple 3-step process to move your files using FoneTool.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone via USB. Open FoneTool, go to Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC, and click Get Started.

FoneTool interface showing iPhone to PC transfer option

Step 2. Choose file categories and select the specific items. Click OK.

Selecting specific iPhone photos for transfer in FoneTool

Step 3. Click Start Transfer to begin moving your files.

Confirming file transfer from iPhone to PC in FoneTool

💡 Pro Tip: Use the PC to iPhone feature in FoneTool to transfer files from computer to iPhone without iTunes.

Option 2. Access iPhone Files on PC Using File Explorer

Windows File Explorer offers a built-in, wired method to transfer photos and videos without extra software.

⚠️ Note: This method only allows you to access iPhone photos and videos stored in the Photos app. The photos and videos are organized into different folders based on their timestamps, so you need to select them one by one and cannot complete the transfer all at once.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable.

Step 2. Open This PC and find your iPhone listed as a device.

Step 3. Open the device, go to Internal Storage > DCIM, select your files, and drag them to your PC.

Dragging image files from iPhone's DCIM folder to PC desktop

Option 3. Wireless File Transfer from iPhone to PC via Bluetooth

How do I transfer files from iPhone to computer directly? Bluetooth provides a direct wireless connection for transferring files, though it has limitations in speed and file type support.

Step 1. On your PC, turn on Bluetooth and make it discoverable.

Step 2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.

Step 3. Tap your PC's name on the iPhone's Bluetooth list and confirm pairing.

iPhone Bluetooth settings showing PC device for pairing

Step 4. Use your PC's Bluetooth file transfer utility to share iPhone files to PC wirelessly.

Option 4. Wirelessly Transfer Files from iPhone to PC Using iCloud

If you use iCloud, you can download your already-uploaded data to your PC. To get multiple files at a super-fast speed, FoneTool mentioned in Part 2 is helpful. 

Part 1. How to download iCloud files to PC via iCloud.com

Step 1. Go to Cloud.com on your PC and log in.

Step 2. Click the app icon for the data you want (e.g., Photos).

Downloading selected photos from iCloud.com on a PC

Step 3. Select the files and click the download icon.

Part 2. How to move iCloud data to PC professional iCloud manager

FoneTool also serves as a powerful desktop client for iCloud, offering faster downloads.

Highlights:
· Directly manage and download photos, videos, and iCloud Drive files.
· Bulk download 100+ photos in 2 minutes
. Uses Apple's two-factor authentication for security

Steps to Download from iCloud via FoneToo

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1.  Launch FoneTool > Go to My iCloud, sign in, and click Manage iCloud.

Accessing iCloud management in FoneTool

Step 2. Choose a data category, select files, and click Download.

Selecting iCloud photos for download in FoneTool

Step 3. Choose a destination folder and click Download.

download iCloud data

Option 5. Transfer Files from iPhone to Windows via Google Drive

Google Drive is another cloud-based alternative for wireless file transfer without a USB cable.

Step 1. On your iPhone, open Google Drive and tap the + icon. Select Upload and choose files from your iPhone.

Step 2. On your PC, go to drive.google.com and sign in.

Step 3. Find the uploaded files and download them to your computer.

FAQs on iPhone to PC Files Transfer

Conclusion

This guide has shown you five effective ways to transfer data from iPhone to PC without iTunes.

  • For a fast, reliable transfer without internet, FoneTool is the recommended solution.

  • For wireless convenience, using Bluetooth, iCloud, or Google Drive are all feasible options.

FoneTool - All-in-one iPhone Data Manager

Transfer, backup and manage data on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in an easy way.

  • iOS 26 Compatible
  • iPhone 17 Supported

Free iPhone Manager - FoneTool

  • Full/Selective Backup iPhone
  • Transfer between iPhone and PC
  • 1-Click Transfer iPhone to iPhone
  • WhatsApp Backup & Transfer
  • Fully compatible with iOS 26
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