There are two quick and easy ways to connect your GoPro to your computer. You can either use the USB cable your GoPro came with or an external microSD card reader.
Hi, I’m Larry. I’ve been using GoPro cameras for nearly 10 years and have shot thousands of videos. Throughout this past decade, I’ve also uploaded thousands of videos from my GoPro onto my computer.
Today, I’m going to show you two simple ways to connect your GoPro to your computer to download videos.
Let’s jump right in!
Contents
How Do I Connect My GoPro to My Computer?
The GoPro doesn’t do much good if you can’t actually do anything with the videos. Thankfully, connecting a GoPro to a computer to transfer your videos or pictures is a simple process.
First, we’ll go over the method you can use to download GoPro video files with a USB cable, then we’ll go through a method that uses a microSD card reader.
Ready to see your first GoPro videos?
Good, here’s how to connect a GoPro to a computer.
Method 1: How to Connect GoPro to Computer via USB Cable
Before you begin, grab your GoPro and make sure the SD card is properly inserted inside the camera. Then, grab the USB cable that came with your GoPro.
Step 1: Turn your GoPro off. Then, plug the small end of the USB cable into your GoPro. The port is located inside the battery compartment of newer GoPros like the HERO10 Black.
Step 2: Plug the opposite end of the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.
Step 3: A pop-up window may appear when it detects your camera. You can click on the pop-up to access your GoPro’s storage folder. If a pop-up doesn’t appear, find the SD card / DCIM folder on your computer.
Congratulations! You have successfully connected your GoPro to your computer. At this point, you are free to drag and drop your video files onto your computer. Dragging and dropping creates a copy of the video file and saves it onto your computer. You won’t lose the file from your SD card.
Method 2: How to Connect GoPro to Computer via MicroSD Card Reader
This method involves an external microSD card reader. Unfortunately, this device doesn’t come with your GoPro, but I recommend purchasing one because it helps you download GoPro videos easily. Here’s the microSD card reader I’ve used for several years.
Step 1: Remove the microSD card from your GoPro.
Step 2: Insert the microSD card into your microSD card reader.
Step 3: Insert the microSD card reader into a USB port on your computer.
Step 4: If a clickable pop-up doesn’t appear, navigate to your SD card folder by finding it under your computer’s local devices. The name of the SD card folder should be DCIM.
Once you locate your GoPro’s SD card folder, you are free to save any video file onto your computer. Then, simply drag the videos you want to save onto your computer’s desktop.
How Do I Download Videos From My GoPro to My Computer?
So you’ve connected your GoPro to your computer. If you’re having trouble downloading your GoPro videos, follow the steps below. I created different sections for Windows and Mac users.
I’ve also included a third method involving using GoPro Quik for desktop. This tool automatically uploads your GoPro videos to your computer when your devices are connected.
How to Download GoPro Videos on Windows?
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type in File Explorer. Next, open File Explorer and click This PC on the left-hand column of your screen.
Step 2: You’ll see your GoPro folder under Devices and drives. Select the folder titled DCIM. In this folder, you may see a collection of different folders depending on how many videos and photos are saved on your SD card.
Step 3: Now, find the videos you want to save on your computer. You can drag the video file from the GoPro folder onto your desktop or a new folder. This creates a new copy of your video file and downloads it onto your computer. It won’t delete the original video file on your SD card because it only creates a copy.
You can also right-click the video you want to save and select Copy. Then, go to your computer’s desktop, right-click again, and press Paste.
Furthermore, you can highlight all the video files or press Ctrl–A to save all your GoPro files to your computer.
That’s it! With just a few mouse clicks, you can easily save and download all of your GoPro videos to your computer.
How to Download GoPro Videos on Mac?
Step 1: Open Image Capture.
Step 2: Select the GoPro from the left underneath Devices. Your Pictures folder is the default upload location; if you’d like to save them to a different folder, use the drop-down menu on the bottom of the screen to select a new location.
Step 3: Highlight the files you want to upload and hit Import or select Import All to download all your videos and photos.
How to Download Videos on GoPro Quik for Desktop?
If you want to automatically import new GoPro videos to your computer, you can use GoPro Quik for desktop. This is a discontinued software from GoPro you can use to import and edit GoPro videos.
Although the software is discontinued, you can still download it on GoPro’s official website and use it to download your GoPro videos.
Step 1: Download GoPro Quik for desktop using the link above. Once the installation is complete, open the program.
Step 2: Connect your GoPro to your computer using a compatible USB cable or microSD card reader.
Step 3: GoPro Quik for desktop will automatically detect your GoPro and ask you if you want to enable auto-import.
Step 4: Once you enable auto-import, GoPro Quik for desktop will automatically download your new GoPro videos to your computer. However, your GoPro needs to be connected to your computer, and you need to open GoPro Quik for desktop.
I enjoy using GoPro Quik for desktop because it keeps all my GoPro video files in one place. Sometimes, I save GoPro videos in the wrong folder and have trouble finding them in the future. GoPro Quik for desktop is helpful for auto uploading and file organization.
Why Does My GoPro Not Show Up in File Explorer?
If your GoPro doesn’t show up in Windows File Explorer, there are several potential issues. First of all, you may be using a faulty USB cable. Grab another compatible USB cable and see if it works.
Secondly, your computer USB port may be damaged. Try another USB port on your computer.
Next, there may be an issue with your SD card. If your SD card is damaged or corrupted, your computer won’t be able to recognize your GoPro. I recommend removing the SD card, wiping it clean of any residue or dust, and carefully reinserting the SD card back into your GoPro or SD card reader.
If your GoPro still doesn’t appear in File Explorer, I recommend restarting your computer and GoPro. This should solve any unknown glitches that prevent your computer from recognizing your GoPro camera.
Why Won’t My Mac Recognize My GoPro?
You can follow the same steps I outlined above in the “Why Does My GoPro Not Show Up in File Explorer Section.”
Although you have a Mac, the troubleshooting steps are the exact same. So, test each potential issue one by one until your Mac recognizes your GoPro.
If you’ve tried everything, including using a new cable or SD card reader, it’s likely your SD card is permanently damaged. In this case, your GoPro wouldn’t be able to recognize your SD card either.
If this happens, you’ll need to purchase a new SD card.
FAQs
Below are a few common questions I frequently receive about how to connect GoPro to a computer to download videos.
Why won’t my GoPro connect?
There a several possible reasons why your GoPro won’t connect to your computer. I’ve outlined all of the potential problems and solutions in my GoPro Won’t Connect to Computer guide. Check out the guide if you’re having trouble connecting your GoPro to your computer.
How do I upload GoPro videos?
You can easily upload GoPro videos with your mobile phone. Install GoPro Quik on your phone and pair the app with your GoPro camera. Once you pair your devices, you can download your GoPro videos directly onto your phone. Then, you are free to upload your GoPro videos to any social media or video platform.
How do I transfer files from my GoPro to my computer?
You can transfer files from your GoPro to your computer with a compatible USB cable or microSD card reader. You already have a USB cable because your GoPro came with one. Take it out and connect it to your GoPro and computer. Turn your GoPro on and located your GoPro folder. Then, drag and drop any files to you want to save to your computer.
Closing Thoughts
This wraps up my guide on how to connect GoPro to your computer and download videos. The GoPro doesn’t do much good if you can’t actually do anything with the videos. Thankfully, connecting a GoPro to a computer to transfer your videos or pictures is a simple process.
There’s no better feeling than recording an incredible shot and viewing the footage back on your computer. I always download my GoPro videos and edit them using video editing software before sharing them with my friends.
Now I want to hear from you! Which method from today’s guide helped you connect your GoPro to your computer? Do you have any additional questions about GoPro cameras?
Let me hear what you have to say by dropping a quick comment below!
