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If you have a large photo library, you can set up your Mac to download everything automatically to the external drive.
: Open the Photos app, select the items you want (hold Cmd on Mac or Ctrl on PC to select multiple, or use Ctrl/Cmd + A for all), and click the Download icon (cloud with a downward arrow). how to download icloud backup to external hard drive
: Open iCloud Drive, select your files or folders, and click Download . If you have a large photo library, you
: If your browser asks where to save, select your external drive. Otherwise, move the downloaded files from your computer's "Downloads" folder to the external drive. Method 2: Automate Photo Downloads on Mac : If your browser asks where to save,
This is the most straightforward method for selective downloads on any computer. your external hard drive to your computer. Log in to iCloud.com with your Apple Account. Navigate to Photos or Drive :
Securing a local copy of your iCloud data is an essential step for long-term data safety and freeing up cloud storage. While Apple does not offer a single "Download All" button for a full system backup, you can effectively move your photos, documents, and other critical data to an external hard drive using the methods below. Method 1: Use iCloud.com (Universal PC & Mac)