Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can leave iCloud without losing data, but don’t treat signing out as a backup or export. First decide whether you want to stop syncing on one device, move selected data elsewhere, or permanently delete your Apple Account. Then make and verify separate copies of the data you need before signing out.
Choose what “leave iCloud” means
These options have different consequences. Changing settings can stop selected iCloud features without signing out; signing out disconnects one device; deleting an Apple Account is a separate, permanent step.
| Choice | What it does | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off selected iCloud features | Stops the selected syncing or service on a device without requiring a full sign-out. | You want to stop syncing particular categories or change a device’s setup. |
| Sign out on a device | Stops iCloud services on that device. Information remains in iCloud, but is removed from the device unless you choose to keep a copy when prompted. | You want to disconnect a device while keeping your Apple Account and cloud data. |
| Delete your Apple Account | Permanently deletes the account and associated data. Apple’s Data and Privacy tools also offer data-copy, supported-transfer, and temporary-deactivation options; availability varies by region and category. | You have verified your migration and specifically want to close the account. |
If you only want to stop syncing on one device, account deletion is unnecessary. Do not start deletion as a way to test whether your copies are complete.
Make an inventory before disconnecting
List what you use and where it currently lives. Include data that may not look like a document in iCloud Drive: Apple’s iCloud services sync many categories separately, and some third-party apps store data in iCloud without showing it as an ordinary file.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- iCloud Drive files and shared-folder items
- iCloud Photos
- Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Notes
- Reminders, Safari bookmarks, Voice Memos, and FaceTime video messages
- Device backups and data from third-party apps
Decide where each category should go: a local archive, another cloud service, a different email account, or another app. Export options and formats depend on the category, device, and operating-system version. For app-specific data, Apple advises contacting the app developer when necessary.
Copy or export each category
iCloud Drive
Copy files to a Mac, a device location, another cloud provider, or download them from iCloud.com. Files optimized to save device storage may not be fully present locally; download them before copying. If you copy a file from a shared folder, the copy does not carry over the folder’s sharing access.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Contacts and calendars
On a Mac, Contacts can export contact records as a vCard. A vCard does not preserve contact-list structure, so if your lists matter, also archive the Contacts database. Calendar export is available on Mac. For the iCloud.com calendar download procedure, Apple’s instructions temporarily use public sharing; turn sharing off as soon as you have downloaded the ICS file.
Where appropriate, use Mail on a Mac to copy or move messages between mailboxes, then check that the destination has enough capacity and that the messages arrived. Some IMAP moves can fail because of invalid characters, oversized messages, or the receiving provider’s storage limits. Do not assume a device backup includes your mail: iCloud Mail is not included in iCloud Backup.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Notes, Reminders, Safari, Voice Memos, and FaceTime video messages
Handle these separately using the current export or save options for the relevant Apple app and device. The available features vary by operating-system version, so check that the resulting copy is readable or playable outside the iCloud-synced view before disconnecting.
Third-party app data
Check each important app for its own export, backup, or account-transfer procedure. Some app data is stored in iCloud but is not readily visible in the standard file list. If an export route is unclear, ask the app developer how to retrieve the data before signing out or deleting the account.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Move a copy of iCloud Photos to Google Photos
Apple provides a transfer request through its Data and Privacy tools to copy iCloud Photos content to Google Photos. It copies the content rather than removing or changing the Apple library, so it is a transfer for an additional destination—not a way to empty iCloud Photos.
- Before requesting the transfer, enable two-factor authentication for your Apple Account.
- Turn off Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which must be off for this transfer.
- Confirm that the Google account has enough storage for the photo library.
- Submit the copy request through Apple’s Data and Privacy tools, then inspect the destination library when processing finishes.
Apple says most requests take three to seven days, while some can take up to 30 days. The transfer covers iCloud Photos content, but some features or formats may not arrive as expected, including Smart Albums, Live Photos, and some RAW files. Check the resulting library for missing items or changes before relying on it as your only copy.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Why one iCloud backup is not a complete export
An iCloud Backup is a useful safeguard, but it is not a category-by-category archive of everything synced with iCloud. Apple says iCloud Mail is not included in iCloud Backup, and iCloud Drive files are not included as local Files-app data in that backup. Keep separate copies or exports for the categories you need to retain.
Verify your copies before signing out
- Open copied files and confirm that the contents are present, not just filenames or placeholders.
- Check that expected contacts and calendar entries appear in the destination, including any details or list organization you need.
- Confirm that mail, photos, and other transferred items are visible in the destination account or app.
- Make sure recent iCloud changes have finished syncing. Apple advises checking iCloud.com or another device and making sure an up-to-date iCloud backup exists before signing out.
For online migrations, verify access by signing into the destination service separately. A completed request or copied folder alone does not establish that every item is usable there.
Sign out only after checking the device prompts
During sign-out, iCloud data remains available in iCloud, but it is removed from the device unless you choose to keep a copy when prompted. Any retained local copy no longer syncs with iCloud. Read each prompt rather than assuming all categories will be handled the same way: Apple lists different effects for services including Photos, Drive, Mail, Notes, Keychain, Messages, and backups.
On a Mac, prompts separately address whether to keep some data and whether to complete or remove photo downloads. If you need local copies, make sure the relevant content has finished downloading and select the appropriate keep or download option before completing sign-out.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDelete the Apple Account only after migration is verified
If your goal is permanent account closure, use Apple’s Data and Privacy tools only after checking your copies and destination accounts. Deletion is not the same as signing out: it permanently deletes the Apple Account and associated data. Apple also provides other data and account options there, but the available tools and supported transfers vary by region and category.
Quick Recap
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.
