You might have thought that this would be an obvious one, but Android tablets don’t have an automatic method or desktop management software to sync your files from the device to a personal computer. The expected synchronisation method is through the cloud which means that you need an account such as google, skydrive or icloud which then automates the process.
However, you can transfer files and photos manually. Simply connect your device to your computer with a USB cable and follow the instructions. You can also use Bluetooth to connect your device to a Bluetooth enabled computer (normally a laptop) and it might be possible to use wifi.
When connecting with a cable there may be a number of popups/messages that appear on either device. If you are presented with the AutoPlay dialog box on your computer, choose the Open Folder to View Files. If this is the first time you’re connecting your Android tablet, the computer may go through a short process of downloading and installing driver software for that device.
When completed in Windows File explorer on the left hand side your device should be listed as a “removable device” similar to a USB memory stick. Double click it and you should have access to all the files on your Android Tablet.
Browse through the folders for the files you wish to copy, then select those files, right-click to pull up a menu and click the “Copy” option from the list. Go to a folder on your computer’s local hard drive, right-click inside that directory and click “Paste” from the drop-down list. The files may take a few moments to copy to that folder.
To “eject” the tablet from the computer, right click “Removable Disk” from the left-hand column in the Windows File Explorer and click the “Eject” option as you would a USB stick.
An alternative option is to use an app such as File Commander or filemanager and clean booster (uses ftp) which are free and allow connection over your wifi. The latter also includes some extra functions, but appears to have more advertising.
However, Google has almost sorted it all out for you. If you have a google account on your tablet, it can be set to synchronise email, contacts, photos and files automatically which you can then access from your computer. Google backup and sync for PC (google drive for your tablet or phone) allow it all to happen reasonably transparently.
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