You can’t AirDrop to a Windows 11 PC. AirDrop only works between Apple devices. The closest built-in option is Microsoft’s Phone Link, which can add a Link to Windows button to the iPhone share sheet. You can also use a USB cable with the Photos app, iCloud for Windows, or a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive.
This guide explains why AirDrop doesn’t work with Windows, then walks through Phone Link file sharing, a USB cable, iCloud for Windows and cloud apps, plus how to send files from the PC back to the iPhone. It applies to iPhones on iOS 16 or later and Windows 11 PCs. Phone Link details come from Microsoft’s Phone Link setup page and Windows Insider blog, checked October 1, 2026.
Why AirDrop Doesn’t Work With Windows
AirDrop is Apple’s own technology, built into iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple doesn’t make an AirDrop app for Windows, so a Windows PC never appears in the AirDrop list, even with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Windows 11 has its own Nearby sharing feature, but it works between Windows PCs, not with iPhones.
Option 1: Phone Link (Closest to AirDrop)
Microsoft began rolling out iPhone file sharing in Phone Link to Windows Insiders in December 2024. It works with Windows 11 or 10 and an iPhone on iOS 16 or later, and it rolled out gradually, so it may not appear on every PC.
- On the PC, open Phone Link from the Start menu, choose iPhone, and scan the QR code with the iPhone’s Camera app. Both devices need Bluetooth on. Result: the iPhone pairs with the PC. See how to link your iPhone to Windows 11 with Phone Link for the full setup.
- Install the free Link to Windows app on the iPhone if file sharing asks for it. Microsoft says the app isn’t required for basic pairing.
- On the iPhone, open a photo or file and tap the Share button.
- Tap Link to Windows, then tap your PC. Result: a Windows notification appears when the file arrives on the PC.
To go the other way, right-click a file saved on the PC (not a cloud file), select Share, then choose My Phone or Phone Link. If you already paired your iPhone before file sharing arrived, Microsoft says to set it up at aka.ms/addAccount on the PC.
Option 2: USB Cable (Best for Lots of Photos)
- Connect the iPhone to the PC with a cable and unlock it.
- Tap Trust or Allow on the iPhone. Result: the PC can see the iPhone’s photos.
- Open the Photos app on the PC, select Import, and choose your iPhone. Result: photos and videos copy to the PC.
A cable handles large batches without an internet connection or cloud storage. For detailed steps, see how to transfer iPhone photos to a PC or how to upload photos from iPhone to a computer.
Option 3: iCloud for Windows
Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store, sign in with your Apple Account, and turn on iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive. Result: your photos and iCloud Drive files appear in File Explorer and stay in sync. This is the best choice if you want new photos to show up on the PC automatically.
Option 4: OneDrive, Google Drive or Email
- OneDrive or Google Drive: upload from the iPhone app, then open the files on the PC in a browser or the desktop app. For long videos, see how to upload large files to OneDrive.
- Email or messaging: fine for a few small files, but most email services limit attachment size.
- Browser-based tools: third-party sites like Snapdrop send files over your local network when both devices open the page. These are third-party tools; they aren’t made by Apple or Microsoft.
Send Files From the PC to Your iPhone
- Phone Link: right-click a local file › Share › My Phone, if file sharing is set up.
- iCloud Drive or OneDrive: save the file in the synced folder on the PC, then open it in the iPhone’s Files app.
- Cable: the Apple Devices app on Windows can copy files into apps that support file sharing. See how to transfer files from iPhone to PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an AirDrop app for Windows?
Apple doesn’t make one. Microsoft’s Phone Link with the Link to Windows button is the built-in option. Third-party apps that claim to work like AirDrop use their own methods and need to be installed or opened on both devices.
Why don’t I see Link to Windows in the share sheet?
File sharing rolled out gradually and needs recent versions of Phone Link and Link to Windows. Update both apps, and make sure the iPhone is paired in Phone Link.
What’s the fastest way to move lots of photos?
A USB cable with the Photos app on the PC handles large batches without needing an internet connection or cloud storage space.
Can I AirDrop from a Mac to a Windows PC?
No. AirDrop only sends to other Apple devices. Use a shared network folder, a cloud service, or a USB drive instead.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read hundreds of millions of times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.