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Transfer files from Android phone via USB to Win11 laptop

Anonymous
2023-01-01T21:34:31+00:00

How do I transfer files from Android phone via USB to Win11 laptop (not via MyPhone app, not via OneDrive, not via any other cloud storage service)? I'm trying to simply access my phone's picture folder through USB and transfer photos to the laptop, and my photo folder on the phone's internal storage doesn't even show up on File Explorer. I'm using a brand new USB-c cord that's made for Android. The folder's simply not there to open and copy files. Yes, I've clicked "show hidden files," but this isn't a hidden file/folder, it's the DCIM folder.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Connect Phone and PC

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-10-09T23:09:00+00:00

    I agree, Windows 10 worked fine. Windows 11 makes transferring photos a real pain. Microsoft needs to fix this glitch.

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-04-06T13:31:17+00:00

    The problem is Windows 11 updates. First time it happened I rolled back Windows 11 and it saw my Samsung S21 files. Apparently Windows 11 did an update I wasn't aware of and now I can't seem to roll it back. Windows needs to fix this problem but how would you even be able to tell them?

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-25T16:58:02+00:00

    Whenever I connect my android cellphone to my Windows 11 laptop I loo in in explorer ad see SMARTLINK H:

    I have tried all the online trouble shooting and nothing works. I still keep seeing SMARTLINK H:. I should be seeing the file directory of the phone. I'm sick and tired of trying all these suggestions and no result.

    I AM UNHAPPY

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-11-17T14:54:30+00:00

    I started having this problem some time ago. File transfer would work fine on Windows 10 machine, but will not work on Windows 11.

    Strangely enough, I was able to resolve the problem by using a different USB cable - the old one was a USB-C port (phone side) to USB-standard (PC side). I switched to a very short high speed USB-C to USB-C cable and was able to get it to work. The old cable still works on Windows 10.

    Something perhaps you may want to try.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  5. EmilyS726 227.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-01T22:11:49+00:00

    Hello there. This is Emily.

    On your phone’s USB settings, you need to change from "Charging over USB" to "Transfer Files" or "Transfer Photos".

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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