How to Transfer Files from PC to iPad without/with iTunes [2024]

All these scenarios below led to one question – How do I transfer files from PC to iPad?

• iPad has been accidentally reset and there are backups on PC.
• Get a new iPad and want to transfer files from PC to iPad.
• Need some data on PC to be on your iPad.

Frankly, even though iOS is developed into a relatively closed system, it is not hard to do the task. Here in this post, we are going to share 7 best yet easy ways to transfer files from pc to ipad, without iTunes and with iTunes are included to help you transfer files from PC to iPad. You can go through all these methods first, and then choose the one you prefer to complete the job. All these methods apply to all iPad models, like iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.

Also Read: How to Easily Move Photos from iPhone to iPad >

How to Transfer Files from PC to iPad without iTunes

Method 1. How to Copy Files from Windows PC via iPad Transfer Tool [Easy & Fast]

Transferring files from PC to iPad with iTunes needs to erase all the existing data on the iPad, which is the majority of people don’t want. So, you may wonder how do I transfer files from Windows to iPhone without iTunes? Here we put a non-iTunes way first. This way can be the simplest and quickest way among all the ways in this guide, which is using popular professional transfer tool: AnyTrans – iPhone Data Manager.

AnyTrans is a full-way iOS transfer tool made for all iOS devices, and it is highly recommended by millions of iOS users for iPhone iPad iPod touch data transfer. Below are its outstanding features on transferring files from PC to iPad:

• Save Time & Labor. 1 click to transfer files from PC to iPad, and vice versa.
• Widest Coverage of Files. Supports transferring over 22 types of data, like photos, messages, videos, contacts, music, apps, etc.
• No Data Loss Risk. Different from iTunes, no existing data would be erased on your iPad while transferring files from PC.
• Compatible with All OS and Series. It works well with Windows 11/10/8/7, and all iPad series, iPad Air/Pro/mini.

Now, Free get AnyTrans on your Windows PC firstly, and then follow the steps below to see how to transfer files from PC to iPad without iTunes:

Step 1. Connect the iPad to your PC.

Get and Launch AnyTrans on your PC and connect your iPad to PC via a USB cable > Click the “Add Content” shortcut button.

You can also transfer files from PC to iPad by selecting the specific category. Just click the “More” button to manage your iPad files by categories.

Step 2. Transfer files from PC to iPad.

For example, to add music to your iPad from PC: Click Audio > Select Music > Click “+” button > Browse and choose music files from computer > Click “Open”. And that is it. With AnyTrans, you can easily figure out how to transfer photos, music, videos, movies, and more files from PC to iPad without iTunes.

Method 2. Transfer Files from PC to iPad Using iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive allows you to access your data from the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC, no matter where you are. It keeps all your files and folders up to date across all devices. Before we start, there is something you must clear:

Step 1. Download iCloud for Windows from Apple’s official website and open it on your computer.

Step 2. Enter your Apple ID email address and password to Sign in to your iCloud account.

Step 3. Drag files to iCloud Drive Folder.

Step 4. Enter the files through the applications that are used to open them.

Method 3. How to Share Files from Windows PC to iPad Using Google Drive

Besides iCloud Drive, there are also some other cloud services for you to sync data from a computer to an iOS device. Google Drive is similar to other cloud storage services, which helps users to sync a lot of files and file types like photos, videos, audio, texts, etc. You get 15 GB of space in your Google Drive for free. If you have a Google account, refer to the detailed steps below to sync files to the iPad from your PC.

1. Go to drive.google.com from your PC.
2. Tap the “New” button.
3. Choose the “File upload” or Folder option to upload files or folders.
4. After uploading you can see the files on your Drive account immediately.
5. Go to the Apple Store on your iPad, download, and install Google Drive on your iPad.
6. Log in with the required credentials. Then you can see the synced files from your computer in the Google Drive account.

Method 4. Transfer Files from Computer to iPad via Email

Email could also be a simple way to transfer files from PC to iPad. This method is suitable when you just want to transfer a few files to the iPad, as there is a limitation on the size of the attachment. In other words, this is OK if you have to do this occasionally but not in a very efficient way. If you prefer an effective way, simply refer to Method 1.

1. Choose the specific files you need, just send them as an Email attachment to yourself.
2. On your iPad, log in with the same email account.
3. Open the file on your iPad and the file will be available locally.

Method 5. Upload Photos from PC to iPad with iCloud Photos

If you want to copy photos on a computer to iPhone/iPad, iCloud Photos can help you with ease. Firstly, enable iCloud Photos on your iOS device and PC. And make sure you are using the same Apple ID on your iPhone/iPad and PC. Then follow the steps below to copy photos on computer to your iPhone/iPad:

• Go to Settings on your iPad > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos > Toggle iCloud Photos on.
• Download iCloud for Windows to your PC > Install it and sign in with your Apple ID > Enable the “Photos” > Select “iCloud Photo Library” > Select “Upload new photos and videos from my PC” and choose the right location > Tap Done to finish.
• Check the transferred photos on your iPhone/iPad.

Method 6. How to Transfer Files from PC to iPad with OneDrive

OneDrive is another way we recommend you to transfer files from PC to your iPad. As a cloud-based storage system/service for Microsoft users, OneDrive allows you to upload/save documents, photos, videos, and other files in the cloud, except the CON, AUX, COM0, LPT0, or LPT9 files.

Follow the steps below to finish files transfer from PC to iPad:

Step 1. Launch OneDrive in the browser on your computer > Upload the files you want to transfer to OneDrive.

Step 2. If you have large files, you need to download the OneDrive Desktop app (it allows for uploading a maximum of 35GB file size).

Step 3. Sign into your OneDrive account on your iPad after uploading the files.

How to Transfer Files from Windows to iPad with iTunes

As mentioned above, while transferring files from computer to iPad with iTunes, the existing data on your iPad might be erased. These erased files can’t be recovered anymore. Besides, when it comes to contacts, and calendars, after sync, the data on computer and iPad would be kept the same. Here are the detailed steps to share movies, photos, music, podcasts, etc. from computer to your iPad via iTunes.

1. Download iTunes on your computer.
2. Plugin your iPad into your PC with a USB cable.
3. Open iTunes if it doesn’t pop out automatically.
4. Click the iPad tab on the upper left corner of the iTunes screen.
5. Select the file type you want to transfer from PC to iPad.
6. Click Sync Movie (Here we take Movies as an example).
7. Select the movie files you want to transfer from PC to iPad.
8. Click Apply to start transferring the selected files to your iPad.

After the process completes, the selected movies should be synced to your iPad. You can go to the corresponding apps on your iPad to check them. If you still need to transfer more data to iPad from your PC, just repeat these steps.

The Bottom Line

That’s all for how to transfer files from PC to iPad. Any questions about this article or AnyTrans are warmly welcome to be left in the comment section. At the same time, don’t forget to share this article with your friends. Free get AnyTrans to have a try now >