The iPad is one of the most popular consumer electronic devices on the market. You can use iPad to surf the internet, read books, listen to music, play games, check email, instant messages, and more - all at your fingertips! Connecting iPad to a Windows PC is easy, and you can use it to sync content from your iTunes library to your iPad.
Step
Step 1. Install iTunes
You must have iTunes installed before connecting your iPad to your computer. iTunes can be downloaded for free from the iTunes site. See this guide for more details on how to install iTunes.
If you have iTunes installed, make sure that your iTunes is up to date
Step 2. Turn on your iPad
Your iPad must be turned on in order to connect to your computer. If the iPad is off, press and hold the Power button for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears. If the iPad's battery runs out, charge it first before connecting it to a computer.
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The iPad battery charges when it is connected to a computer, but is very slow.
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Step 3. Connect iPad via USB
Use the charging cable that came with your iPad, or a replacement cable that works with Apple devices. Be sure to plug the USB directly into a port on your computer; plugging into a USB hub can cause connection problems.
Step 4. Install the iPad software
The first time you connect your iPad to a Windows computer, Windows will install some drivers. This process runs automatically, but may take a while.
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Your Windows computer must have internet access to install iPad drivers.
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Step 5. Open iTunes
iTunes will usually open automatically when iPad is connected to the computer. Otherwise, you can open iTunes from the Start menu or by using a desktop shortcut to start interacting with your iPad.
Step 6. Set up your new iPad
When you connect your iPad to a computer for the first time, you will be prompted to run setup for the first time. Don't worry if you've used your iPad before, it doesn't erase anything. All you have to do is give your iPad a name.
Step 7. Select your iPad
Once iTunes opens, you can select your iPad from the "Devices" section in the left sidebar. If the sidebar is not visible, click View → Hide Sidebar. Selecting your iPad will allow you to manage the content on it.
If your iPad doesn't appear in the "Devices" menu, check to see if it's powered on or not. If it still doesn't connect, you may have to bring it into Recovery Mode
Step 8. Use iTunes to sync your content
After selecting your iPad, use the tabs at the top of the iTunes window to manage the content you want to sync to your iPad. You can add music, movies, apps, books, podcasts and much more. To add content to your iPad, the device must already be in your iTunes library.
- See this guide for detailed instructions on syncing files to your iPad.
- See this guide for instructions on how to add apps to your iPad using iTunes.
Step 9. Eject your iPad when you're done
Once you're done syncing content to your iPad, right-click your iPad in the "Devices" side bar. Select Eject. Now you can safely remove your iPad from your computer.
