SpecCairnClarity Before You Buy.
Explore guides

Explainer

How to Transfer Files Between an Android Phone and a Windows PC

By SpecCairn · Published October 28, 2026 · Documentation-based explanation, not a hands-on review

A smartphone with a dark screen plugged into a cable next to a laptop keyboard.
Illustrative photo, not a product test. Photo by Kolby Milton on Unsplash. License & image notes.
A generic phone connected by a cable to a generic desktop monitor, representing a USB file transfer; no operating-system screen shown.
A generic phone connected by a cable to a generic desktop monitor, representing a USB file transfer; no operating-system screen shown. Original conceptual illustration, not a tested configuration.

Short answer: Connect the phone with a USB cable that can carry data, unlock it, and choose File Transfer in the phone’s USB notification. The phone then appears on the PC so you can drag files.1 For photos, the Windows Photos app can import them directly.2

How this guide was made: SpecCairn did not test these steps on a particular phone. They follow Google’s Android Help and Microsoft Support; menu names can differ by phone maker.3

Before you begin

  • Use a data cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files.42
  • Unlock the phone. The PC can’t find a locked phone.2
  • Check your Android version. Google notes that some of its steps only work on Android 14 and up.1

Option A: copy accessible user files with File Transfer

  1. Unlock the phone and connect it to the PC with a USB cable.1
  2. On the phone, tap the Charging this device via USB notification. The wording may differ on your phone.13
  3. Under Use USB for, select File Transfer.1
  4. A file transfer window opens on the PC. Drag files between the phone and the PC.1
  5. When you’re done, eject the phone from Windows, then unplug the cable.1

Option B: import photos and videos with the Photos app

  1. Connect the unlocked phone with a USB cable that can transfer files.2
  2. On the PC, select Start, then Photos.2
  3. Select Import, choose your phone, and pick the items and the folder to save them in.2
  4. If the phone isn’t found, change its USB setting to transfer media or photos.21

How to check it worked

Open the folder you copied to on the PC and check that the files are there and open.12

Troubleshooting

ProblemWhat to do
The PC doesn’t see the phoneUnlock it, check the USB setting is on File Transfer, and restart both devices.24
Still not detectedCheck that your PC is set to recognize newly connected devices, and update Android.4
Charging works but files don’tTry a different cable; not all cables transfer files.4
One port seems faultyTest each port with another computer or device.4

Cable-free options

  • Google lists Quick Share for Windows, and uploading files to your Google Account with Drive or Photos.5
  • Microsoft’s Phone Link app has a recent-photos feature that copies recent photos without a cable. That feature doesn’t import videos, and Phone Link needs Android 7.0 or newer.6
  • If your photos already sync to OneDrive or Google Photos, download them in a web browser.6

FAQ

Why does the phone only charge when I plug it in?

Check that File Transfer is selected under Use USB for, and that your cable can transfer data, not just charge.14

Does Phone Link’s recent-photos feature import videos?

No. Microsoft says that feature covers recent photos only and doesn’t import videos.6

About this guide

Not affiliated with Google or Microsoft. See the methodology.

Scope: Android phones and Windows 11 or Windows 10 PCs. Menu names follow Google and Microsoft documentation and can differ by phone maker. Research-based; not device-tested.

Sources and reference notes

  1. Android Help: Transfer files between your computer and Android device. Option 2: Move files with a USB cable, Windows computer; Important note; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official; written for Pixel phones. Back to text
  2. Microsoft Support: Import photos and videos from phone to PC. Transfer photos from an iPhone or Android phone to your PC; Android devices; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text
  3. SpecCairn editorial guidance based on the cited sources; not a statement by a manufacturer or publisher. Back to text
  4. Android Help: Transfer files between your computer and Android device. Troubleshoot moving files by USB; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official; written for Pixel phones. Back to text
  5. Android Help: Transfer files between your computer and Android device. Options 1 and 3; date not stated; accessed 2026-10-28; official; written for Pixel phones. Back to text
  6. Microsoft Support: Import photos and videos from phone to PC. Android devices; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official. Back to text

Found an error? See the corrections process.