I use the default download option to download the photo to my windows PC. I then extract the .zip file, navigate to the extracted "iCloud Photos" folder, and the folder is empty. There should be a .jpeg photo in there!
Windows, Windows 6
Hi there ags34,
Thank you for posting to Apple Support Communities.
There are a couple ways you can do this.
Download copies of your photos and videos from your device
On your PC, make sure that you set up iCloud for Windows and turn on iCloud Photos. Open File Explorer. In the Navigation pane, click iCloud Photos, then select the images you want to keep on your PC. Right-click the selection and choose "Always keep on this device." If you use iCloud for Windows 10 or earlier, learn how to download your photos. After the items download, copy them to another folder on your computer. To do this, press and hold the Ctrl key and drag the items to the folder. Include this folder if you back up your computer.
Download copies of your photos and videos from iCloud.com
If you want to download a few photos or videos, use iCloud.com to download the most recent version of photos and videos.
On your Mac or PC, just go to iCloud.com and click Photos. Then select the photos and videos you want to download and click Download.
If you don't have iCloud Drive turned on, you can find the .zip file you downloaded in the Files app under Downloads or Recents.
Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud - Apple Support
That should help. Let us know if you have any questions.
Take care.
How do I view icloud photos downloaded to a windows laptop? I tried the extract option but the "icloud photos" folder is empty!
