How to transfer images or videos from the camera to a Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using a USB connection

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You can connect your camera to your computer using a USB connection to transfer images and video files easily.

Before you start

• For information about transferring images and videos for Apple® Macintosh® computers, refer to the Transfer pictures from a digital camera to a computer with a USB connection article. 
• If the Microsoft® Windows® operating system isn't pre-installed, some import methods may not work as expected.
• If model-specific information is required to complete any of the steps in this article, refer to the Help Guide supplied with the product. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

Transfer steps

1. Set the USB Connection or Transfer mode setting in the camera menu to Mass Storage, MTP, or Auto:
   • Mass Storage (MSC) - Recommended
     • Fastest and most flexible transfer method
     • Camera shows as a removable USB drive on the computer
     • Files are presented in format-based folders; DCIM for photos | AVCHD for videos | M4ROOT for MP4 videos
   • Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) - Better for beginners
     • Offers unique transfer options based on the computer operating system but has a slower transfer speed than MSC
     • The camera icon and model number appear on the computer
     • Image and movie files are presented in date-based folders
   • Auto - Only available on older cameras
     • Automatically establishes an MSC or MTP connection based on the computer
2. Turn ON the computer and the camera.
3. Insert the memory card containing the pictures into the camera or if available, the computer or external memory card reader.
   Note:
   • If your camera has internal memory and you want to transfer images, select it from the menu system.
4. Once the computer recognizes the camera, proceed based on the USB Connection type chosen:
   Note: Your computer displays may be different depending on operating system settings. Check Windows documentation for details.
   1. Mass Storage USB connection mode
      1. Select the Autoplay dialog
         
      2. Select the method that you want to transfer the images (File Explorer).
         
      3. Select USB Drive.
         
      4. Select the DCIM folder.
         
      5. Select the 100MSDCF folder.
         
      6. Drag and drop the images to a folder of your choice.
         Note: You can drag the entire folder (step E) or drag and drop selected images.
         
         
   2. Auto or MTP USB connection mode
      1. Once the window appears, note that the camera model and memory card information appears. Select Storage Media.
         
      2. The memory card folders appear. Select a folder to view individual images.
         Note: Alternatively, you can drag the entire folder to the desktop or other location to copy it to the computer.
         
         
      3. Select the images and drag them to the desktop or folder of choice to copy.