How to Download Pictures to a PC Using a Digital Camera

It takes a few seconds and a USB cable to transfer digital pictures from a camera to a computer.

To preserve and protect your digital pictures, you must be able to download them from your camera to your personal computer. From your computer, you will be able to print your images, upload them to an online printing service or save them onto a DVD or external hard drive for safe keeping. Most cameras come with software to aid in the download process. A computer running Windows 7 or other Microsoft operating system will also download pictures without the need for additional software.

Things You'll Need

• camera USB cable

Instructions

1. Turn the camera off.

2. Connect the camera to the computer using the USB cable. Connect the small end of the cable to the USB port on the camera, and the larger USB-A end to a USB port on the computer.

3. Turn on the camera. Wait for the computer to recognize the camera. When that happens, the "AutoPlay" window will appear on the computer monitor.

4. Choose "Import Photos and Video Using Windows." Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Select "Import," and wait for the computer to transfer copies of the images from the camera to its "My Pictures" folder.

Tips & Warnings

• By default, the computer will place newly imported pictures in the "My Pictures" folder. If you want your pictures to be stored in a different folder, choose the "Import Settings" feature when the import window opens. The tagging option will help you find pictures later. Depending on your personal preference, choose general keyworks, such as "family," or specific keywords, such as "Sarah."

References

• Windows.Microsoft: How Do I Get Pictures From My Camera to My Computer?
• Microsoft: Downloading Pictures From Your Digital Camera