iCloud for Windows 11 will not sync Photos or iCloud Data

Question

iCloud for Windows 11 will not sync Photos or iCloud Data

I am trying to use iCloud for Windows to sync my photos between my iPad, iPhone, and PC running Windows 11. It took me a few times to log into the iCloud for Windows account. I got multiple "An error occurred during authentication. Please try again." prompts. After 5-6 retries I was able to get to the iCloud for Windows menu. I activated the Photos slider and filled out the questions. Went back to the menu and it reported updating. Waited 24 hours and the Photos directory was still empty. Stopped and restarted sync, same issue. Uninstalled and installed iCloud for Windows from MS Store. Tried to sign in again and just got repeat of above. Found log files, etc. but not really helpful. Any suggestions?

Posted on Nov 25, 2025 4:28 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

azaksalmarzur28

Level 2

426 points

Nov 26, 2025 5:11 AM in response to Buckeye_Girl_37

Your iCloud for Windows isn’t syncing Photos because the Apple ID authentication token is corrupted, the Microsoft Store iCloud app is unreliable, and Windows Credential Manager or firewall/DNS settings are blocking iCloud’s background services. Removing Apple credentials, installing the standalone iCloud installer, fixing folder permissions, resetting CloudKit, ensuring iCloud services are running, and enabling IPv6 will restore syncing.

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Answer 2

Dec 4, 2025 6:05 AM in response to azaksalmarzur28

Can you provide details on how to do those things (including installing the standalone installer)?

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