How to Easily Import Photos and Videos to Windows 10/11

In our digital age, capturing unforgettable moments through photos and videos is a popular pastime. However, transferring those cherished memories from your device to your PC can sometimes feel more like a mystery than a straightforward process. Whether you’re using a camera, smartphone, or tablet, this guide will lay out the simple steps to import your media into Windows 10 and Windows 11 with ease.

The Basics: What You Need​

To begin, ensure you have:

• A compatible device (smartphone, camera, USB drive, etc.) with photos or videos stored on it.
• A USB cable to connect your device to your PC.
• Access to the Photos app on your Windows PC.

Step-by-Step Import Process​

1. Connect Your Device​

Grab that USB cable, connect your device to the PC, and turn it on. For smartphones, make sure the device is unlocked; otherwise, your PC wouldn't be able to detect it.

2. Open the Photos App​

In the search box on the Windows taskbar, type Photos and select the Photos app from the results. If you need to update to the latest version, consider checking the Microsoft Store.

3. Start the Import Process​

Inside the Photos app:

• Click on Import from the top toolbar.
• Your connected devices will appear automatically under the import section.
• Select your device to begin loading the available content.

4. Select Your Media​

Once the content is loaded, you’ll see thumbnails of the photos and videos available for import. You can click to select which ones you want or opt for Select All to transfer everything.

5. Choose a Destination​

After selecting the images and videos, you need to designate a target folder to save them. By default, files are imported into a subfolder in the Pictures directory named with the import date (e.g., 2023-10-22).

6. Final Confirmation​

Click on Confirm to finalize the import. Just like that, your photos and videos are now on your PC and ready for additional editing, organizing, or sharing.

Special Notes for iPhone and Android Users​

iPhone Users: If your import isn’t working properly, ensure your iPhone is unlocked and prompts for permissions have been accepted.
Android Users: Switch your phone’s USB settings from Charging Only to Transfer Files or Transfer Photos so the computer can recognize your device correctly.

Importing from Other Devices​

Aside from phones and cameras, you can also import from DVDs or other external media:

• Insert the disc into your drive and access File Explorer.
• Navigate to the drive, select your desired files, and copy them to your Pictures folder or any other specified location.

Setting AutoPlay Options​

An advanced feature called AutoPlay can greatly enhance your importing experience. You can set it up so that every time you connect a new device, the Photos app automatically opens, streamlining the process even further.
To modify these settings:

• For basic options, head to PC Settings, select Devices, and click on AutoPlay.
• For more advanced configurations, go to Control Panel, pick Hardware and Sound, then AutoPlay to manage detailed preferences.

Conclusion​

And there you have it! With these steps in hand, transferring your media from devices to your PC can be as easy as pie. Whether you're prepping for a big presentation, wanting to share a family vacation, or simply organizing your library, mastering this import process equips you with a vital skill in our digital lives.
As always, should you encounter technical hiccups along the way, feel free to consult the Microsoft community pages or user forums for additional support. After all, even the best of us can run into issues now and then!
So, which photos or videos are you planning to import first? Happy capturing!
Source: Microsoft Support Import photos and videos - Microsoft Support