Importing Photos from Your Camera or Removable Media

Many digital cameras come with their own software for downloading your photos and managing them on your computer. However, Windows Vista makes it so simple to download and organize the photos from your camera that you might want to try both systems to see which one you like best. Windows also uses the same method to transfer photos from a CD, a DVD memory card, or a USB storage device. However, the way Windows handles this task depends on how you have your AutoPlay settings configured for the device or the type of media you're using.

Import Your Photos

Connect or insert the device you're using, and, if necessary, turn it on. If the AutoPlay dialog box appears, click Import Pictures, and then click OK. If nothing happens, in the Windows Photo Gallery, choose Import From Camera Or Scanner from the File menu, select your device in the Import Pictures And Videos Wizard, and click Import.

In the Importing Pictures And Videos dialog box that appears, click Options.

In the Import Settings dialog box that appears, select the location, the folder, and the file-naming method you want for your photos.

Make any other changes you want to the way your photos are imported.

Click OK.

Type a tag for the pictures.

Click Import.

See Also

"Scanning a Picture" on page 191 for information about scanning photos and other pictures.

"Set the AutoPlay" on page 271 for information about adjusting the AutoPlay settings.