Some Apple users also have a Windows computer. After all, you don’t have to have a Mac when you purchase an iPhone or iPad. It is true that Apple’s products are better coordinated, but you can easily use an iDevice in combination with a Windows PC. You have the option to download Apple apps and you can even set up iCloud.
Apple has released several applications for Windows and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store such as iCloud, Apple Devices, Music, Apple TV and more. We explain how to set up and use iCloud on a Windows PC and if all else fails, you can still use computer help.
Set up and install iCloud on a Windows PC
If you have an iCloud account, you can also use it on a Windows PC. It then ensures that you have access to all parts of your account. You also have the option to synchronize iCloud photos and iCloud Drive with your PC. You can integrate iCloud with the ‘iCloud for Windows’ program.
Download iCloud for Windows
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC
- Search for ‘iCloud’ or use this link
- Click ‘Download’ and then ‘Install’
Set up iCloud for Windows
- Open the application
- Log in with your Apple Account for iCloud
- Follow the steps on the screen
- Then enable the options you want to use
Your iCloud Mail is added to Outlook, among other things, where you also have immediate access to your contacts and calendars. With the ‘Bookmarks’ option you can synchronize your bookmarks with Safari and Edge, among others. If you use iCloud Keychain, you can add it to the passwords feature for Windows.
iCloud Drive for Windows
On a Windows PC you can easily consult Apple’s iCloud Drive and online photo library. Enable these options in the iCloud app for Windows, starting with iCloud Drive. Once you enable the option, you can access your online files in Windows Explorer.
You can easily edit, delete, add and manage files between all your devices where you are logged in with your Apple Account. Thanks to iCloud, the adjustments are synchronized.
iCloud Photos for Windows
If you also want to use iCloud photos on your Windows PC, you can activate the option of the same name in the iCloud app. Then the photos will appear in the default Windows Photos app. You can also consult your Apple online photo library in Windows Explorer.
Unfortunately, all photos are displayed at once and not split into albums or anything like that. This means you’ll see your iCloud photos in one library. You can edit, manage, add or delete photos and videos. All changes are synced via iCloud.
Do you want to use shared albums? Then you can enable it in the iCloud app for Windows. Click the greater than sign next to iCloud Photos and enable the Shared Albums option.
Specifications for iCloud for Windows
To use the iCloud for Windows app, you must have Windows 10 version 18362.145 or higher installed. This is the so-called Windows 10 May 2019 update. This software update has already been officially released, but is not yet available for all computers. If you do not receive the update via Settings ▸ Update & security ▸ Windows Update, you can install it manually via the Windows update assistant via this support page.