Download iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store, open it and sign in with the same Apple Account you use on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac. Then pick Sync or Not Now for each feature and click Finish Setup. You'll need iCloud already set up on an Apple device first.
Before you start, check these
- An iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac with iCloud already set up on it.
- A PC on Windows 11 or later, if you want the latest version.
- An Apple Account that isn't a Managed Apple Account.
- Something to confirm it's you with, in case you're asked.
Apple's wording for the latest version is to update your Windows PC to Windows 11 or later and Outlook 2021 or later. Apple doesn't spell out whether the Outlook part matters if you don't use Outlook.
Set up the app from the Microsoft Store
- Download iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the app.
- Sign in with the same Apple Account that's on your Apple device.
- If you're prompted, verify your identity with a code sent to a trusted device or phone number, or with a security key.
- For each app or feature, click Sync or Not Now in the bottom-right corner.
- Where it's offered, adjust Advanced Settings or install extensions.
- Choose whether to share iCloud analytics.
- Click Finish Setup.
Those steps follow Apple's setup guide. The Sync or Not Now screen is the one to slow down for, because it decides what comes across to your PC.
What you can reach on your PC afterwards
Apple says the app gives you access to your photos, videos, mail, calendar, files and more. What you'll see depends on what you chose during setup, so only pick Sync for the things you'll use on this machine.
Photos are the one to think about before you say yes. If you'd rather keep them out of iCloud altogether, here's how to turn off iCloud Photos. And if this is a shared or borrowed computer, make sure you know how to sign out again when you're done.
An Apple device has to come first
You can't begin on the PC. Apple says you must set up iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac before you can use the app, so a brand new account created with no Apple device in the picture won't get you through this route.
One more limit is worth knowing before you download anything: Apple says Managed Apple Accounts aren't supported at all. If your login's one of those, no amount of reinstalling will change the answer.
So run down the list at the top of this page before you download. The Apple device and the account type are the two you can't work around.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use it without an iPhone?
You can use an iPad, iPod touch or Mac instead. What you can't do is skip having one of those Apple devices set up with iCloud.
Will it run on Windows 10?
The latest version needs Windows 11 or later, so update first if you want it.
Why is it asking me for a code?
That's Apple checking it's you. Have your trusted device or phone nearby, or your security key.
Can I sync only some features?
Yes. Each app or feature gets its own Sync or Not Now choice.
Do I have to share analytics?
No, it's your choice. Apple asks during setup, just before Finish Setup.
Which Apple Account should I sign in with?
Use the same one that's on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac.
