Windows 10 File Explorer

I've been having this problem, which may be 2-fold, but it looks connected.

My Windows 10 PC has stopped recognizing my i-Phone 7. I can't get the photos off the phone, and now it's full. I need a new phone with more storage, but until then I'm just daily moving everything over to my desktop.

Now file Explorer isn't working either. It opens, but the iphone isn't listed, and then it hangs and locks up. Last nite I ran diagnostics on the desktop and updated everything it suggested. Then afterward, I had to re-enter info (like the internet password) - and this morning I re=booted, but the problem is still there. I'm so frustrated.

I can't get a new phone yet - but I'm not sure that the phone is the issue. I ran diags on the phone as well. It is recognized by iTunes. I hate using the cloud, but will if that's the only answer. Problem is - File Explorer is still not working. Oh, and it works from within software (like Word) - but myphone is still not listed.

 

It's nothing to do with File Explorer, your phone isn't connecting to your network. Could you use Bluetooth instead to transfer your photos?

 

I tried it - the phone came up, but then it told me it couldn't connect. I'll try again.

 

If you can't get BT to work can your phone access OneDrive? If so you could send them there, or to any online file service.

 

I got them connected. Now what. It doesn't allow me to transfer the files over. I'm plunking around.... but file explorer still locks up when I go to it thru the task bar, and it doesn't show my phone that I can see. Updates aren't helping so far either. And, File Explorer just crashed. I'm SO frustrated.