How to Transfer Files Between a Samsung Galaxy and Windows PC using a USB Cable

Last Update date : Oct 07. 2026

Learn how to quickly and securely transfer photos, videos, and documents between your Samsung Galaxy device and a Windows PC using a USB cable. Follow our simple, step-by-step guide to connect your device, configure transfer settings, and manage your files through File Explorer.

Please Note: This guide is designed for Australian variant Galaxy devices, if you have an international device and require further support click here to get in touch with your Samsung subsidiary.

1 Plug your Galaxy device into your Windows PC using a USB cable (USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C).
2 If a prompt appears on your Galaxy device asking to allow access to phone data, tap Allow.
3 If you do not see a prompt, swipe down from the top of your screen to open your Notification panel.
Swipe down on screen to access the Notification Panel
4 Tap on the USB Settings Notification.
Tap on USB Settings
5 Select Transferring files/Android Auto then tap the back key.
Tap on Transferring files/Android Auto
6 On your computer, open File Explorer and select your phone's name from the sidebar then click on Internal storage.
Select the device name then click internal storage
7 Browse your Galaxy device's folders to locate the file you wish to transfer to your PC.
Navigate through device folders
  • Camera Photos/Videos: Open DCIM > Camera.
  • Downloaded Files: Open Download.
  • Documents (e.g PDF Files) : Open Documents.
8 Highlight the files and drag them onto your desktop or your desired PC folder.
Transfer files to desktop
9 Once file transfer is complete, unplug the USB cable from your phone and computer.

Note: Make sure no file-copying windows are running on your PC before disconnecting.

USB Connection Issues: If your PC charges your phone but does not show files in File Explorer, test a different USB cable (some charging cables do not support data transfer) or connect directly to a PC USB port instead of a hub.

1 Plug your Galaxy device into your Windows PC using a USB cable (USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C).
2 If a prompt appears on your Galaxy device asking to allow access to phone data, tap Allow.
3 If you do not see a prompt, swipe down from the top of your screen to open your Notification panel.
Swipe down on screen to access the Notification Panel
4 Tap on the USB Settings Notification.
Tap on USB Settings
5 Select Transferring files/Android Auto then tap the back key.
Tap on Transferring files/Android Auto
6 On your computer, open File Explorer and select your phone's name from the sidebar then click on Internal storage.
Select the device name then click internal storage
7 Locate a folder where you would like to store the file (e.g. Download, Documents, or Music).
Navigate through device folders
8 Click and hold the file on your desktop or PC folder, drag it over the phone window and release to drop it in.
Drag file from PC into phone folder
9 Once file transfer is complete, unplug the USB cable from your phone and computer.

Note: Make sure no file-copying windows are running on your PC before disconnecting.

USB Connection Issues: If your PC charges your phone but does not show files in File Explorer, test a different USB cable (some charging cables do not support data transfer) or connect directly to a PC USB port instead of a hub.

How to locate and view the file on your phone

1 On the My Files app on your Galaxy device
Open the My Files app
2 Tap on Internal Storage
Tao on Internal Storage
3 Navigate to the folder where you saved the file (e.g. Internal storage > Documents, then tap the file to view.
Follow file path

Locate screenshots, downloaded images, and social media content from your Galaxy device.

1 On your Galaxy device, open the Gallery app.
Open the Gallery app
2 Locate and select the Photo or video you want to find.
select the Photo or video you want to find
3 Swipe up on the image.
Swipe up on photo
4 Look at the Path section at the bottom of the details card. This shows the exact folder location on your device. (e.g. /Internal storage/Download/Quick Share)
Reading folder path
5 Connect your Galaxy device your PC via USB cable, swipe down on your phone screen, tap the USB Notification and select Transferring files/ Android Auto.
6 Open File Explorer (Win + E) on your computer, click your Galaxy device under This PC, open Internal Storage and follow the exact folder path you noted from your phone to locate the file and transfer the file.

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