iCloud on windows showing images deleted from phone, yet I can't download them.

Question

iCloud on windows showing images deleted from phone, yet I can't download them.

My iCloud Photos folder on my windows PC is showing hundreds of pictures and videos I have deleted from my phone. However, If I double click on one I have to wait a minute and then I get the message "Error 0x800701AA" code. And the availability status is Synchronising.

Is there anyway to get these to download?

I have logged into my iCloud on chrome and all that is showing is just an up to date version of what is on my iPhone.

Please if anyone can help? I literally thought deleting pictures of my phone meant they stayed on my iCloud?!

iPhone XR, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 17, 2025 4:24 PM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

90,662 points

Oct 17, 2025 7:19 PM in response to iCloudTroublesz

When you delete, edit, or add a photo in iCloud, all devices then reflect the current status. iCloud is a synchronization service. Images that you delete are moved to the Recently Deleted album and can be recovered from there. If you deleted the items from recently deleted, or if deleted items remain in recently deleted for more than 30 days, the items are permanently deleted and irrecoverable.

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