How Do I Transfer Pictures to a PC from a Smartphone?

Photo by Rachael Crowe on Unsplash

One of the reasons I do not use my camera phone for ‘serious’ photography, is that I find it awkward to transfer pictures to a PC from my iPhone.

I am well aware that there are lots of different solutions out there regarding the transfer pictures to a PC from a smartphone, but I also know that my method, which is mailing them to myself is not the most efficient! Furthermore, I am also aware that I am too much of a curmudgeon to pay for iCloud.

I am not the only one confused. One of the most asked questions on Google is ‘how do I transfer pictures to a PC from a Smartphone?’

So what is the best solution?

Simple Way to Transfer Pictures to a PC from a Smartphone.

There is now an app from Microsoft. It is new and still in a testing phase, but it is available and works a treat. Furthermore, it does not involve the Cloud but it does require WiFi. It is free. It works for both Android and iPhone. It simply and seamlessly transfers pictures from your smartphone to a PC. How?

Find the Microsoft Photos Companion App in your App Store. And download to your phone.

Microsoft Photos Companion

Open the Windows 10 Photos App on your PC.
To make the Photos Companion App active. Go to the top right: See More>Settings>Preview>Help Microsoft test the mobile import over WiFi feature>Slide to On.
On the Windows 10 Photos App: Import>From mobile over WiFi
Open the Photos Companion App on the phone
Scan the QR code on the PC screen, to pair the PC and the smartphone.

Microsoft Photos App QR Code

Select the images to be transferred hit Done.
The pictures transfer across seamlessly to the Windows 10 Photos App on your PC.
Drag the pictures from the Photos App to your pictures folder.

The pairing isn’t permanent and will have to be re-established for each sharing operation, but it is quick and easy. If you think this could be useful, head to the Microsoft site to find out more.

I realise that there are many options out there to transfer pictures to a PC, but this one is both free and simple. The big advantage for me is that I no longer have to mail my own pictures to myself!