How To Airdrop To Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 26, 2025

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Airdrop, Apple’s seamless file-sharing feature, has long been a favorite among iOS and macOS users. Unfortunately, Airdrop isn’t natively available on Windows 11. This can be frustrating for users who frequently switch between Apple and Windows devices and want a quick and easy way to transfer files.

However, don’t despair! While you can’t directly Airdrop to Windows 11, several excellent alternative methods allow you to achieve the same result. This guide will walk you through the best options, providing step-by-step instructions to make file sharing between your devices a breeze.

What Are The Best Ways To Share Files Between Apple and Windows 11?

Use Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive offers a reliable and straightforward way to share files between your Apple devices and your Windows 11 computer.

Install OneDrive: Download and install the OneDrive application on both your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and your Windows 11 PC.
Sign In: Sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account on both devices.
Upload Files: On your Apple device, upload the files you want to share to your OneDrive account. You can do this by tapping the “+” icon in the OneDrive app and selecting “Upload.”
Access Files: On your Windows 11 PC, open the OneDrive folder in File Explorer. The files you uploaded from your Apple device will automatically sync and appear here.

Utilize Cloud Storage Services (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Similar to OneDrive, other cloud storage services provide a convenient way to share files across different platforms.

Install the App: Install Google Drive or Dropbox on both your Apple device and your Windows 11 PC.
Sign In: Sign in to the same account on both devices.
Upload Files: Upload the files from your Apple device to the chosen cloud storage service.
Access Files: Access the files on your Windows 11 PC through the cloud storage application or website.

Employ Third-Party File Sharing Apps

Several third-party applications mimic Airdrop functionality and work seamlessly across different operating systems.

Choose an App: Research and select a file-sharing app that supports both iOS/macOS and Windows 11. Popular options include SHAREit, Xender, and Snapdrop (web-based).
Install the App: Install the chosen app on both your Apple device and your Windows 11 PC.
Connect Devices: Follow the app’s instructions to connect your devices, usually involving scanning a QR code or connecting to the same Wi-Fi network.
Share Files: Select the files you want to share and send them from your Apple device to your Windows 11 PC using the app’s interface.

Use Email

While not as seamless as Airdrop, email remains a reliable option for sharing smaller files.

Compose an Email: On your Apple device, compose a new email.
Attach Files: Attach the files you want to share to the email.
Send Email: Send the email to an email address that you can access on your Windows 11 PC.
Download Attachments: On your Windows 11 PC, open the email and download the attachments.

Bluetooth Transfer

Bluetooth can be used for file sharing, although it’s generally slower than other methods.

Pair Devices: Pair your Apple device and your Windows 11 PC via Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on both devices and follow the instructions.
Send Files: On your Apple device, select the file you want to send and choose the “Share” option. Select “Bluetooth” and choose your Windows 11 PC from the list of available devices.
Accept Transfer: On your Windows 11 PC, accept the incoming file transfer request.

Comparison of File Sharing Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods discussed above to help you choose the best option for your needs:

Method	Speed	Ease of Use	File Size Limit	Platform Compatibility
OneDrive	Fast	Easy	Varies	iOS, macOS, Windows
Google Drive	Fast	Easy	Varies	iOS, macOS, Windows
Third-Party Apps	Fast	Medium	Varies	iOS, macOS, Windows
Email	Medium	Easy	Limited	All
Bluetooth	Slow	Medium	Small	All

Tips

For large files, cloud storage or third-party apps are generally the best option.
Ensure both devices are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network for faster transfer speeds.
Consider the security implications of each method, especially when sharing sensitive information.

Sharing Files Between Apple and Windows 11 Made Easy

Although Airdrop isn’t directly available on Windows 11, plenty of effective alternative methods exist. By using cloud storage, third-party apps, email, or Bluetooth, you can seamlessly share files between your Apple devices and your Windows 11 computer.

FAQ

Can I use Airdrop from my iPhone to a Windows 11 PC? No, Airdrop is an Apple-exclusive feature and is not compatible with Windows 11. You will need to use alternative methods such as cloud storage or third-party apps.

Is it safe to use third-party file-sharing apps? It depends on the app. Research the app’s reputation and security features before installing it. Only download apps from trusted sources.

What is the fastest way to transfer files from an iPhone to Windows 11? Using a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive is generally the fastest method, provided you have a good internet connection.

Can I use a USB cable to transfer files? Yes, you can connect your iPhone to your Windows 11 PC using a USB cable and transfer files using File Explorer. This is a reliable option, especially for large files.