Apple’s cloud storage service, iCloud, is helpful when backing up and restoring papers, protecting photos, saving passwords, and even finding a lost or stolen iPhone. Of course, if you have an Apple gadget, iCloud is already built in. You only need to turn the app on. But it is possible if you have devices with different operating systems, like a Windows 10 PC and a MacBook, and you want to use iCloud on the PC.
How to use iCloud on a computer
You should know that you can only use iCloud with an Apple gadget. Also, people with an Apple ID that Apple manages can’t use the Windows app.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using iCloud on Windows 10 if you have everything you need.
Register for an Apple ID
Apple’s cloud storage requires an Apple ID, which means you need a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to sign up. One exception is if you already had an Apple ID from an iPhone or other Apple gadget you owned before or still own. The second time you don’t have to do this is if you’ve ever used iTunes on Windows, which gives you an exception. Finally, if you don’t already have one, you can also get an Apple ID. Follow the link to learn more about how to get one.
Installing iCloud on Windows
You’ll need to get the software file to use iCloud on Windows. You can get the app from the Microsoft Store. Install files used to be available on Apple, but now they’ve worked with Microsoft to give users more options. But Windows 7 and 8 users can still access an iCloud download page directly from Apple’s website, but Windows 10 users should refrain from using it.
- Go to the Start menu in Windows 10 and choose Microsoft Store.
- Click Search and then type “iCloud” into the search bar. Of course, you can skip this step and go straight to the Microsoft Store to download
- Click the Get button on the store page to get the iCloud app, and Windows 10 will quickly set it up for you.
- If the store page is still open, click Launch to start iCloud or run it from your Start menu.
How to Setup iCloud on Windows
- Start iCloud, choose the services you want to use, like mail, bookmarks, and pictures, and click Apply.
You’re almost done, but you must open iTunes if you want iCloud to automatically download new music, books, or apps you have made with your iCloud account. Sign in with the account you use with iCloud. You can also download photos whenever you need to from iCloud.
- Select Selections from the Edit menu, click the Store tab and check the boxes next to Music, Apps, and Books.
iCloud Access
In conclusion, setting up iCloud in Windows 10 is easier than it looks, but you need an Apple ID and an Apple device that uses iCloud. Otherwise, it won’t work. However, you can sync files in Windows by putting them in the right folders. The files will instantly sync to all other iCloud devices when you do this. This is a great way to sync Mac, iOS, and Windows, which can be hard because Apple and Microsoft sometimes compete.
But, as we’ve already said, Apple wanted users to have more options when using iCloud. That’s why they made a version for Windows in the first place.
