How to Connect GoPro to Your Computer: Upload 4 Ways (USB, App)

So you filled your GoPro with adventures and memories. Now it’s time to get them off your camera and upload them to your computer. Here’s how to connect your GoPro to a computer. You’ll learn 4 methods to upload your videos via USB and your app.

Connect GoPro to Computer: 4 Step Guide

Here are four ways to upload GoPro videos and photos to your computer.

1. Upload with SD Card Reader (Fastest Method)

This is my favorite method because it is the fastest method. And this isn’t just me saying that.

Here’s what GoPro says on its own site:

Pro tip: Using an SD card adapter is the fastest way to offload your media onto your computer. 

I also like this method because it’s foolproof. It eliminates points of fail – like needing Quik or the GoPro app.

And this is also how I upload photos and footage from my other cameras (DSLR, video, and point-and-shoot).

You’ll need either a micro SD card reader or adapter (more on this below) and a computer.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Remove the microSD card from your GoPro.
2. Insert card into either a USB card reader or SD card adapter.
3. Now insert this into your computer. If the card isn’t recognized automatically, press Window Key + E. This will open File Explorer.
4. Navigate to “This PC”, in the left sidebar. Your SD card should be visible under this header. Two folders should be visible: DCIM and MISC.
5. Open the DCIM folder. The number of folders will depend on how many photos and videos you took.
6. From here, just drag and drop the files to your computer.

What’s the difference between a card reader and card adapter? While they sound similar – and they help you accomplish something similar, they are different.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Micro SD card reader: A micro SD card reader allows you to insert the Micro SD card into the USB device. Using a card reader eliminates the need for also having a card adapter. Because of the size of GoPro footage, I recommend using a reader that is USB 3.0. This allows data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.
• Micro SD card adapter: A micro SD card adapter is usually the size of a standard SD card. The micro SD card fits inside and then the adapter can be inserted into an SD slot of some laptops or desktop computers. Micro SD cards used to come with these adapters, but this is seldom the case today. But you can pick them up inexpensively.

More reading: How to Format Your SD Card (5 Ways)

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2. Use Quik for Desktop by GoPro

Quik for Desktop is free software that you can download for managing your GoPro media on your computer.

It automatically imports and organizes your photos and videos. It also does some basic editing and can manage your firmware updates.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Connect your GoPro via USB cable or insert your microSD card with a card reader.
2. If connecting via your camera, make sure that you turn your camera on.
3. Quik will auto-detect the GoPro footage and automatically import your files.

I’ve used it, and it’s okay. I prefer to manage my library directly inside File Explorer. While GoPro makes a solid camera, I’ve never been a big fan of their software.

More Reading: How to View GoPro Videos: 5 Ways

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3. Auto Launch Connect with USB Cable

So this option is similar to the previous one – but without using GoPro software.

Windows has an Auto Launch feature. This can be customized to perform a specific function when your camera is connected.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Connect your camera to your computer. Use the USB cable that came with your GoPro.
2. Setup Auto Launch. You can choose: Import with Photos App, Open Device to View Files, or No Action.
3. Once you set this up, Windows will continue to do this every time you connect your GoPro.

Here’s what the Auto Launch message will look like:

Not working how you want it to? Here’s how to change Auto Launch settings for GoPro.

1. Open Windows Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Select Devices > AutoPlay
3. Find your device in the list and modify the setting.

If you USB connect your camera and don’t see Auto Launch option, you can either set it up (see above) or move on to the next method.

Forgot your GoPro password? Here’s how to reset it in 60 seconds.

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4. Manually Connect Your GoPro with USB Cable

If the other options don’t work for you, then this one should do it.

Here’s how to manually connect your GoPro to your computer.

1. Connect your USB cable to your GoPro and computer
2. Turn your camera on
3. Navigate to “This PC” (you’ll see that in the left sidebar on your computer monitor). Your camera should be visible under that header. Open the GoPro MTP Client Disk Volume
4. Open the DCIM folder
5. From here, just drag and drop the files to your computer

Important: When uploading your photos and videos directly from your camera, make sure to turn your camera on. Otherwise, your computer won’t be able to see what’s on your card.

More reading: How to Delete GoPro Videos (4 Easy Methods)

More reading: GoPro HDMI Guide: 7 Things to Know

How did it go for you? Having trouble with your computer not recognizing your GoPro? Here are 5 methods to fix it. GoPro not responding? Here’s what causes a GoPro freeze (and how to fix it).

Have a nice TV? Here’s how to watch your GoPro videos on your TV (5 easy methods).

Your Turn

Have a question about connecting a GoPro to a computer? Let me know and I’ll do my best to answer it.