Transferring Pictures from a Camera

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 30, 2020)

If you have a digital camera, chances are that you'll want to transfer pictures from it to your computer. Depending upon the particular camera, this is usually a fairly straightforward task. Many cameras come with a transfer cable that has a USB plug on one end and a plug on the other end that fits into the camera.

With the camera turned off, plug the cable into your camera and into a USB slot in your computer. Then, turn the camera on. Windows will recognize the newly attached device and, depending on your AutoPlay settings, it may prompt you to see what action you want to take. If prompted, click the option that says, "Open Folder to View Files". If you aren't prompted, Windows will have automatically mapped a new drive letter to your camera.

Using Windows Explorer (Windows 7) or File Explorer (later versions of Windows), navigate to the newly mapped drive that represents your camera. Navigate to the folder of the camera that contains your pictures. Select the pictures that you want to copy to your computer and copy them as you would copy any other files from a computer-based folder.

When you're finished, turn off the camera and unplug the cable. Your pictures are now on your computer.

If you are using an older or non-standard camera that does not include a USB transfer cable, then transferring pictures from the camera typically requires special software of some manner. If you find yourself in this group of camera owners, you'll want to check the user's manual that came with the camera for transfer instructions.

 This tip (11723) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

How to Find Apps Faster

This tip reveals a little-known trick that enables you to move around your Start menu a little faster. The result is ...

Discover More

Freeing Up Disk Space by Deleting Old OS Files

I'm always looking for ways to free up disk space. Even with a 1 TB drive I want to be a "good disk citizen." If you're ...

Discover More

Toggling Delete Confirmation

When you delete a file, Windows typically asks you if you are sure you want to make the deletion. You can control this ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding Windows Slide Show

If you have folders containing pictures, you may want to display them in a slide show. This tip explains how to do it.

Discover More

Grabbing a Screen Shot

There are times that a picture is worth a thousand words. When you need to capture a picture of what is on your screen, ...

Discover More

Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card

Transferring pictures from a memory card to your computer may be simpler than you think. This tip describes the process.

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 8 - 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.