How to Set Up iCloud for Windows on Your PC
You want your iCloud photos, files, passwords, mail, and bookmarks available on a Windows PC the same way they are on your iPhone or Mac.
Why: iCloud for Windows is Apple’s free app that bridges your Apple Account to a Windows 10 or 11 PC. Once it’s installed and signed in, you choose feature by feature what syncs — so you can turn on iCloud Drive and Photos but leave the rest off if you prefer.
Step 1: Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Search for iCloud and open the iCloud listing from Apple.
- Click Get (or Install) and wait for it to download.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple Account
- Open iCloud for Windows.
- Sign in to your Apple Account — use the same account you use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- If prompted, complete two-factor authentication by entering the six-digit code sent to your trusted Apple device.
Step 3: Choose what to sync
For each app or feature, click Sync [feature] to turn it on, or Not Now to skip it. The features you can enable are:
- iCloud Drive — your files, available in File Explorer.
- Photos — your iCloud photo library.
- iCloud Passwords — your saved passwords, with a browser extension for Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Mail, Contacts, and Calendars — synced through Microsoft Outlook.
- Bookmarks — kept in step with Safari.
Choose your analytics preference and finish setup. iCloud Drive then appears as its own location in File Explorer.
FAQ
Which Windows version do I need? Windows 10 or later. Windows 11 works without extra steps.
I use Advanced Data Protection — can I still sign in? Yes, but you need iCloud for Windows 14.1 or later. With version 14.2 or later, your trusted Apple device must be within Bluetooth range of the PC or on the same Wi-Fi network.
I have security keys on my account — does that change anything? You can only sign in if your PC has iCloud for Windows 15 or later.
Can I use a Managed Apple Account (school or work)? No. iCloud for Windows isn’t supported with Managed Apple Accounts.
Sources: Apple Support — Set up iCloud for Windows on your PC