Use iCloud Drive on Windows: upload folders and move files to Google Drive and 40+ clouds
Air Explorer, the multicloud manager
iCloud Drive
iCloud for Windows keeps iCloud Drive in sync with your PC, but it can't send your files to other clouds. Air Explorer can: add your Apple ID, open iCloud Drive next to a folder on your PC or another cloud and drag files in either direction, to upload whole folders or move them to Google Drive, OneDrive or any other cloud. Air Explorer is free for Windows and Mac, and you don't need to sign up.
How to use iCloud Drive with Air Explorer
- Download Air Explorer for Windows or Mac and open it.
- Add your iCloud account. In Accounts → Add account, choose iCloud Drive and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Enter the verification code that Apple sends to your iPhone, iPad or Mac, or by SMS. Apple trusts the session for about 30 days; after that it asks for a new code.
- Open iCloud Drive in one pane and a folder on your computer, or another cloud such as Google Drive, in the other.
- Drag the files or folders in either direction, or use Copy and Paste. You can follow each file in the task list at the bottom.
What else you can do with iCloud Drive in Air Explorer
Back up to iCloud Drive
Sync a PC folder or another cloud with iCloud Drive, one way or both ways.
Scheduled syncsPro
Run the sync every day or week without opening the program, or from scripts with the command line.
Encrypt before uploadPro
Encrypt files before they reach iCloud Drive, including file and folder names.
Search iCloud Drive
Find your iCloud Drive files and folders from Air Explorer.
Play videos
Watch iCloud Drive videos without downloading them first. VLC is recommended.
Several Apple IDsPro
Manage several iCloud accounts next to your other clouds. The free version allows one account per cloud.
Ways to use iCloud Drive from Windows
| Method | How it works | Good for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud for Windows | Apple's app shows iCloud Drive in File Explorer | Syncing iCloud Drive with your PC | Doesn't move files to other clouds |
| iCloud.com | Upload and download in the browser | A few files | Whole folders must be handled by hand |
| rclone | Command-line sync tool with an iCloud Drive connector | Technical users | Command line only, no interface |
| Air Explorer | Desktop app that connects iCloud Drive with your computer and your other clouds. Free to transfer and sync | Uploading folders, moving to other clouds, several clouds | iCloud Drive only, not iCloud Photos |
iCloud Drive questions
Can I upload a whole folder to iCloud Drive from Windows?
Yes. Drag the folder from your computer to iCloud Drive in Air Explorer and everything inside is uploaded, including subfolders. More about iCloud on Windows and Mac.
Can I move files from iCloud Drive to Google Drive?
Yes: open iCloud Drive and Google Drive side by side and drag the files. You don't have to download them and upload them again yourself.
Does it work with two-factor authentication?
Yes. After your password, enter the code that Apple sends to your devices or by SMS. Apple asks for it again about every 30 days.
Does it work with Advanced Data Protection?
Yes, if "Access iCloud Data on the Web" is turned on in your Apple device's iCloud settings. Air Explorer asks you to approve the access from an Apple device.
Can I access iCloud Photos?
No. Air Explorer works with iCloud Drive.
How much free storage does iCloud give?
5 GB, shared by iPhone backups, Photos and iCloud Drive.
Does iCloud support FTP?
No. Air Explorer connects to iCloud Drive directly, and it can copy your files to any FTP, SFTP or WebDAV server you have.
Is it free?
Yes, and you don't need to create an Air Explorer account: you download it and add your cloud accounts. The free version transfers and syncs files between iCloud Drive, your computer and your other clouds, with one account per cloud. Air Explorer Pro adds unlimited accounts, scheduled syncs, encryption and the command line.
Use iCloud Drive on Windows today
Air Explorer is free for Windows and Mac. Upgrade to Pro when you need several accounts, scheduled backups or encryption.
Storage services supported by Air Explorer
With Air Explorer, manage the transfer, synchronization and security of your data across more than 40 cloud storage services.
