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For repeat access to recent Galaxy photos and videos on a Windows PC, use Link to Windows with Microsoft Phone Link. For an occasional file, Bluetooth can send it directly, while cloud storage is another option when you want an online intermediary. Phone Link’s Photos view is for recent Gallery items, not a confirmed way to browse every folder or copy an entire phone library.
Choose the method that fits the transfer
| Method | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Link to Windows + Phone Link | Repeated access to recent Gallery photos and videos | Samsung says the Phone Link Photos view can show up to 2,000 recent photos and videos. It requires setup and permissions; it is not documented as unrestricted file-system access. Samsung Support |
| Bluetooth | Sending a selected file occasionally | Pair the phone and PC, put Windows in receive mode, then share the file from the phone. Samsung cautions that “Bluetooth transfers may be slow and unreliable.” Samsung Support |
| Cloud storage | Moving files through an online intermediary | Samsung lists cloud storage as an alternative, but the cited guidance does not establish a provider, storage quota, price, or need for a paid plan. Samsung Support |
| Quick Share | Nearby sharing, if both devices support it | Samsung device documentation describes nearby sharing using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth and requiring acceptance on the receiving device. Current Quick Share for Windows compatibility and setup are not established here, so check support for your specific PC before relying on it. Samsung device documentation |
Use Phone Link for recent Galaxy photos and videos
Phone Link connects a Galaxy phone to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Samsung says the PC should have a Microsoft account added, and the phone and computer typically need to be on the same network. Samsung also describes a setting that allows Phone Link to use mobile data instead. Samsung Support: Link to Windows setup
Set up the connection
- On the PC, update Windows and open the Phone Link app. Sign in with a Microsoft account if prompted.
- On the Galaxy, open Settings and select Connected devices > Link to Windows. On some models, Link to Windows is available from the Quick panel. If the feature is not present, Samsung says it may be available from the Play Store.
- Follow the pairing prompts in Phone Link and on the phone. Grant the permissions requested so the PC can display the phone’s recent media.
- Confirm both devices are usually on the same network. If you need to use mobile data, check the Link to Windows settings for that option.
Samsung notes that the available screens and settings can vary by software version and model. Samsung Support
Save a photo or video to the PC
- In Phone Link on Windows, select Photos.
- Select the photo or video you want.
- Choose Save as and select a location on the PC.
The Photos view is limited to recent media: Samsung states a maximum of 2,000 recent photos and videos. As newer items appear, older previews are removed from that view; Samsung says this does not delete the original files on the phone. Samsung Support
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Send an occasional file over Bluetooth
Bluetooth works for selecting a file on the phone and sending it to a paired PC. Start the receive flow on Windows before sharing from the Galaxy.
Put Windows in receive mode
- Windows 10: Open the Bluetooth menu from the taskbar and choose Receive a File from Bluetooth File Transfer.
- Windows 11: Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Send or receive files via Bluetooth, then choose the receive option.
Pair and send from the Galaxy
- Turn on Bluetooth on both the phone and PC, then pair the devices if they are not already paired.
- On the Galaxy, select the file, tap Share, choose Bluetooth, and select the PC.
- Accept or complete the transfer in the Windows receive flow and choose where to save the file if prompted.
Samsung warns Bluetooth transfers may be slow and unreliable, so it may not be the best choice for a large batch. Samsung Support
Rank #2
KOOTION USB C Flash Drive 32GB 2 in 1 OTG USB 3.0/Type C Thumb Drive Dual Drive USB C Memory Stick for Smartphone Laptop Tablet PC, Blue
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
Use cloud storage as an online intermediary
You can upload a file from the Galaxy to a cloud-storage service and then download it on the PC. This avoids a direct phone-to-PC connection, but the available space, pricing, upload steps, and account requirements depend on the provider. Samsung lists cloud storage as an alternative without specifying a provider or plan. Samsung Support
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Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive 256GB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Up to 400MB/s
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Rank #4
2-Pack 128GB USB C Flash Drive Dual Type C + USB A Memory Stick Jump Drive 2-in-1 Thumb Drive for Storage and Backup (128GB*2 Black&Blue)
- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
Rank #3
Sale
Lexar D40E 64GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
If the transfer option or file is missing
- Phone Link will not pair: Check that the PC is running Windows 10 or 11, that you are signed in with a Microsoft account, and that Link to Windows is enabled on the phone. Revisit the pairing prompts and grant requested permissions.
- Phone Link shows fewer items than expected: Its Photos view is for recent Gallery photos and videos, up to Samsung’s stated 2,000-item ceiling. It is not documented as a full-library browser.
- Bluetooth does not find the PC: Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, pair them, and put Windows in its receive flow before selecting the PC from the phone’s Bluetooth share list.
- Instructions do not match your screen: Samsung says screens and settings may vary by Galaxy model and software version; Windows and app versions can also affect the labels and available features.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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