Quick answer: To send a large file from an iPad to a Windows PC, upload it in Safari at Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB per transfer), then open the download link on the PC. The file lands in Downloads unchanged. On an iPad with USB-C you can also copy files to an exFAT USB drive in the Files app and plug that into the PC.
Built-in options, and their limits
AirDrop does not reach Windows. With a cable, the Windows Photos app imports the iPad's camera roll, and the Apple Devices app copies files in and out of apps that support file sharing. Neither reaches files saved in the Files app's On My iPad folders directly.
iCloud for Windows syncs iCloud Drive and iCloud Photos to the PC, but needs your Apple Account on the PC and enough iCloud storage (5 GB free).
iPads with USB-C can write to USB drives in the Files app. Older Lightning iPads need Apple's Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, and some drives also need power.
Send any size from iPad to PC with a link
- On the iPad, open Share Large Video Files in Safari.
- Tap to add files: Photo Library for photos and videos, or Browse for the Files app, iCloud Drive or a connected drive.
- Keep the Safari window on screen until the upload finishes. With Split View or Stage Manager you can keep working in another app next to it.
- Copy the link and send it to yourself, or type it into the browser on the PC.
- On the PC, click Download. The file is saved to the Downloads folder.
Things that trip people up
- Apps like Procreate, LumaFusion or GoodNotes keep work inside the app. Export it first (Share or Export in the app) to the Files app, then upload it from Browse.
- HEIC photos and HEVC videos may need the HEIF and HEVC extensions from the Microsoft Store on Windows. Converting to JPG or H.264 MP4 avoids that.
- Windows drives formatted as NTFS can be read on an iPad but not written to. Format the USB drive as exFAT to use it both ways.
- Sending a whole folder? Zip it in the Files app first (touch and hold the folder, then Compress), so it arrives as one download with its structure.
Using a USB drive with an iPad
- Plug the drive into the iPad's USB-C port (or the camera adapter on a Lightning iPad).
- Open Files and tap Browse: the drive appears under Locations.
- Select files, tap Move or use Copy and Paste, and choose the drive.
- Eject is not needed on iPad, but wait until the copy finishes before unplugging.
Use exFAT: FAT32 cannot hold a file over 4 GB, and the iPad cannot write to NTFS. A drive also works when the PC is not on the internet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I AirDrop from an iPad to a Windows PC?
No. AirDrop only works between Apple devices. Use a download link, iCloud for Windows or a USB drive instead.
Can I copy iPad files to a USB drive?
Yes, on iPads with USB-C (and on Lightning iPads with Apple's camera adapter). Use the Files app, and format the drive as exFAT so both the iPad and Windows can write to it.
How do I send a Procreate or LumaFusion project?
Export it from the app to the Files app first, then upload the exported file. The PC receives exactly the file you exported.
Will the PC get the original quality?
Yes. A download link delivers the file byte for byte; nothing is compressed on the way.
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