Do you want to sync your Apple devices with your Windows PC? With iCloud for Windows, you have access to your photos, files, calendar and more wherever you are. In this article, we explain step by step how to create an iCloud account and set it up on your Windows computer.

Need help setting up iCloud? Our experts are happy to help! Contact us for personal support.

What do you need?

Before you start, make sure you have the following at hand:

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
  • A working email address
  • A phone number for verification
  • A stable internet connection
  • At least 15 minutes of time

Creating it step by step

Step 1: Create an Apple ID

Before you can use iCloud on Windows, you need an Apple ID:

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com
  2. Click Create Your Apple ID
  3. Fill in your details:
    • Name
    • Date of birth
    • Email address (this becomes your Apple ID)
    • Password (at least 8 characters, an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter and a number)
  4. Choose security questions
  5. Enter the verification code sent to your email
  6. Accept the terms

Step 2: Download iCloud for Windows

  1. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer
  2. Search for iCloud
  3. Click Get or Install
  4. Wait until the installation is complete
  5. Launch iCloud for Windows

Step 3: Sign in and set up syncing

  1. Open the iCloud app
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password
  3. Enter the two-factor authentication code
  4. Select what you want to sync:
    • iCloud Drive
    • Photos
    • Bookmarks
    • Passwords

Securing your account

Your Apple ID contains a lot of personal data. Secure your account properly:

Turning on two-factor authentication

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com
  2. Sign in and go to Security
  3. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
  4. Add a trusted phone number

Extra security tips

  • Use a unique, strong password
  • Never share your Apple ID with others
  • Sign out on public computers
  • Regularly check which devices are signed in

Tips for using iCloud

Managing storage

  • Free: 5 GB of storage
  • Upgrade possible to 50 GB, 200 GB or 2 TB
  • Manage storage via Settings > iCloud > Manage Storage

Syncing files

  • Drag files to the iCloud Drive folder
  • Access via File Explorer > iCloud Drive
  • Available on all your Apple devices

Syncing photos automatically

  • Turn on iCloud Photos
  • Photos are uploaded automatically
  • Save space with Optimize Storage

FAQ

Can I use iCloud without an Apple device? Yes, you can use iCloud for Windows with just an Apple ID. You do not need an iPhone or Mac.

Is iCloud free? You get 5 GB of free storage. For more space, you can take out a paid subscription starting at €0.99 per month.

How do I remove iCloud from my Windows PC? Go to Settings > Apps > iCloud > Uninstall. Your files stay saved in your iCloud account.

What if I have forgotten my password? Go to iforgot.apple.com to recover your password via email or security questions.

Does iCloud work with all browsers? iCloud for Windows works best with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome for bookmark syncing.

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