How to Transfer Files from Android to Windows

Connect your Android to your computer via USB., Unlock the Android screen. , Swipe down from the top of the Android screen. , Tap the USB notification. , Tap File Transfer or MTP. , Tap Just Once., Wait while Windows installs the drivers., Click the...

44 Steps 3 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Connect your Android to your computer via USB.

    Use the cable that you use to charge the Android device.
  2. Step 2: Unlock the Android screen.

    ,,,, You can select "Always," but this is a potential security risk if someone gets a hold of your unlocked device. , This will only happen the first time you connect, and should happen automatically.

    If there is a problem installing the drivers for your device, visit your Android device manufacturer's support page and search for your model to find the Windows USB drivers for it. ,, In Windows 10, this will be a folder icon on the left side of the Start menu.

    You can also press ⊞ Win+E to open the window directly. , It will be listed in the "Devices" section.

    It may just have a model number for a label.

    Make sure your Android is unlocked and set to File Transfer/MTP. ,,, Common folders for storing files you may want include:
    Downloads Documents Pictures Music DCIM (camera) , Once you've found a file you want to copy to your computer, click it to highlight it.

    You can click and drag to make a selection box, or hold Ctrl and click each file you want to select. , You can create a new folder for the files or place them in a specific folder.

    Leave the folder open for easy transferring.

    You can also just transfer straight to your desktop if you'd like. , This will begin copying the files to your computer , Transfers may take a while for large files or lots of files.

    Do not unplug the Android device while it is copying.If you're finished transferring files and don't need your Android connected anymore, you can disconnect it if nothing is currently transferring. ,, If you're using Windows 10, click the Folder button on the left side of the Start menu.

    You can also press ⊞ Win+E ,, It may take a while to scan for all of the images on your device. ,,, This changes the number of days that each group encompasses. , This will be the folder's name in your Pictures folder. ,, After transferring, you'll be prompted to keep or delete the original files.

    Deleting them will free up space on your Android. ,, You can use a program called AirDroid to wirelessly transfer files from your Android to your computer.

    AirDroid is available for free from the Play Store. , ,,,,,,,, Uncheck the McAfee offer if you don't want it, it's not necessary for AirDroid. ,,,,,, The files will begin transferring over the wireless network to your computer.
  3. Step 3: Swipe down from the top of the Android screen.

  4. Step 4: Tap the USB notification.

  5. Step 5: Tap File Transfer or MTP.

  6. Step 6: Tap Just Once.

  7. Step 7: Wait while Windows installs the drivers.

  8. Step 8: Click the Start menu.

  9. Step 9: Click the Computer or This PC button.

  10. Step 10: Double-click your Android device.

  11. Step 11: Double-click Internal storage.

  12. Step 12: Browse your Android's storage.

  13. Step 13: Double-click a folder to open it.

  14. Step 14: Highlight the files you want to transfer.

  15. Step 15: Open a folder on your computer to transfer the files to.

  16. Step 16: Drag the highlighted files from the Android to the open folder.

  17. Step 17: Wait for the files to transfer.

  18. Step 18: Click the Start menu.

  19. Step 19: Click the Computer or This PC icon.

  20. Step 20: Right-click on your Android device.

  21. Step 21: Click Import pictures and videos.

  22. Step 22: Click Next in the window that appears.

  23. Step 23: Click the checkboxes to select the images you want to import.

  24. Step 24: Click and drag the Adjust groups slider.

  25. Step 25: Click Enter a name to change each group's folder name.

  26. Step 26: Click Import to begin transferring the selected photos.

  27. Step 27: Decide if you want to delete the originals.

  28. Step 28: Disconnect your Android once the transfer is complete.

  29. Step 29: Tap the Play Store button on your Android.

  30. Step 30: Search for "AirDroid."

  31. Step 31: Tap Install on the AirDroid app page.

  32. Step 32: Tap the Open button after AirDroid installs.

  33. Step 33: Tap Sign Up.

  34. Step 34: Type in your new account information.

  35. Step 35: Visit airdroid.com on your computer.

  36. Step 36: Click the Download button.

  37. Step 37: Double-click the downloaded installer.

  38. Step 38: Follow the prompts to installed.

  39. Step 39: Click Allow access when prompted by Windows.

  40. Step 40: Enter your new account information and click Sign In.

  41. Step 41: Tap the File Transfer button on the AirDroid app.

  42. Step 42: Tap AirDroid Desktop.

  43. Step 43: Tap the files you want to transfer.

  44. Step 44: Tap Transfer.

Detailed Guide

Use the cable that you use to charge the Android device.

,,,, You can select "Always," but this is a potential security risk if someone gets a hold of your unlocked device. , This will only happen the first time you connect, and should happen automatically.

If there is a problem installing the drivers for your device, visit your Android device manufacturer's support page and search for your model to find the Windows USB drivers for it. ,, In Windows 10, this will be a folder icon on the left side of the Start menu.

You can also press ⊞ Win+E to open the window directly. , It will be listed in the "Devices" section.

It may just have a model number for a label.

Make sure your Android is unlocked and set to File Transfer/MTP. ,,, Common folders for storing files you may want include:
Downloads Documents Pictures Music DCIM (camera) , Once you've found a file you want to copy to your computer, click it to highlight it.

You can click and drag to make a selection box, or hold Ctrl and click each file you want to select. , You can create a new folder for the files or place them in a specific folder.

Leave the folder open for easy transferring.

You can also just transfer straight to your desktop if you'd like. , This will begin copying the files to your computer , Transfers may take a while for large files or lots of files.

Do not unplug the Android device while it is copying.If you're finished transferring files and don't need your Android connected anymore, you can disconnect it if nothing is currently transferring. ,, If you're using Windows 10, click the Folder button on the left side of the Start menu.

You can also press ⊞ Win+E ,, It may take a while to scan for all of the images on your device. ,,, This changes the number of days that each group encompasses. , This will be the folder's name in your Pictures folder. ,, After transferring, you'll be prompted to keep or delete the original files.

Deleting them will free up space on your Android. ,, You can use a program called AirDroid to wirelessly transfer files from your Android to your computer.

AirDroid is available for free from the Play Store. , ,,,,,,,, Uncheck the McAfee offer if you don't want it, it's not necessary for AirDroid. ,,,,,, The files will begin transferring over the wireless network to your computer.

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Stephanie Gonzales

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