Try these checks in order:
- If this is an iPhone, unlock it and look for a prompt on the phone to Trust This Computer or Allow, then approve it.
- If the photos are stored only in iCloud and not on the device, import them by using iCloud for Windows instead of USB.
- Try a different USB cable. Some USB cables can charge a device but cannot transfer files.
- If the laptop has more than one USB port, try a different port.
- In Windows 11, open Settings in Search, then go to Bluetooth & devices > Cameras and check whether the camera appears under Connected cameras.
- If it appears there, select the camera and use Troubleshoot to open the interactive camera troubleshooter in Get Help.
- If it does not appear, run the automated troubleshooter directly in Get Help.
- If the device still is not accessible, the most reliable workaround is to transfer the photos with an SD card reader, if the camera uses an SD card.
If the issue is specifically with importing photos to Windows, Windows also notes that USB connection problems can prevent photo transfer.
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