Starting with Nintendo Switch system update version 11.0.0, you can now transfer all your game and software screenshots and videos to a compatible Windows computer via USB-C cable. Here’s how to do it.
Conditions
First, make sure your Nintendo Switch has been updated to system 1
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You also need a compatible USB-A to USB-C cable that you plug directly into the connector on the bottom of the switch. The cable must be wired for data transfer, not just charging. Note that this transfer technique does not work through the USB ports on the Switch dock.
Finally, you need a Windows PC. In order for the transfer to work, Nintendo says the computer must support Media Transfer Protocol (MTP). Windows 10 PCs all support this.
Currently, the Switch’s USB copy feature will not work on a Mac out of the box, although that may change in a future update. Android File Transfer is reported to work. In the meantime, Mac users can transfer the screenshots with a microSD card.
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Transfer screenshots and videos to a PC via USB cable
First, plug one end of your USB cable into the USB-C port on the bottom of your switch, then plug the other end into an available USB port on your Windows PC. Your PC should recognize the switch as a USB device and set it up automatically.
On the Switch Home screen, select the Settings icon, which looks like a gear.
In System Settings, select “Data Management” from the sidebar menu.
In ‘Data management’, select ‘Manage screenshots and videos’.
In ‘Manage screenshots and videos’, select ‘Copy to computer via USB connection’.
The switch will try to connect to your PC. If the attempt is successful, you will see the message “Connected to the computer”.
On your Windows 10 PC, navigate to “This PC” in File Explorer and select “Nintendo Switch”, which can be found under the “Devices and drives” category.
Inside you will find a folder called ‘Album’. Open that and you’ll see a list of all your screenshots and videos in separate folders, sorted by software title.
When you open one of these folders, you will see the images and videos you took in the past for that game or software application, with each image or video saved as a separate file.
To copy the files, you can drag the files or folders to any location on your PC, including your desktop. If you need to select all folders at once, press Ctrl + A.
When you’re done transferring screenshots and videos, tap the “Disconnect” button on your Switch screen and unplug the USB cable.
If for some reason a USB connection doesn’t work, it is also possible to transfer Switch screenshots and videos using a microSD card. Good luck!
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