How to import or transfer photos and videos to a Windows computer using the PlayMemories Home

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

This FAQ explains how to import from a Handycam camcorder, Cyber-shot camera, or α camera onto a Windows computer using PlayMemories Home.

Note: Refer to the following links for methods other than what is detailed below to import photos using PlayMemories Home:

• If you cannot import using the method described on this page, refer to the article Cannot import images from the camera via a USB connection using the PlayMemories Home software.
• For importing from a tape camcorder, kindly refer to our Tape Camcorder importing guide.
• For importing to a Macintosh computer by USB connection, refer to the How to transfer videos and pictures to a Macintosh computer with PlayMemories Home (for Mac). article.
• For importing to a Windows computer by Wi-Fi connection, refer to Wi-Fi import for Windows
• For importing to a Macintosh computer by Wi-Fi connection, refer to Wi-Fi import for Mac 

1. Download and install the PlayMemories Home software to your computer. For details, refer to the article How to install the PlayMemories Home software.
2. Insert a fully charged battery into your camera/camcorder, and then turn it on.
3. Connect the camera to the computer using the supplied or built-in USB cable.
   IMPORTANT: If importing movies by inserting the memory card directly into the computer, device authentication (activation) must still be performed the first time. Once device authentication is completed, you will be able to import photos and videos by inserting the memory card directly into your computer.
   Notes:
   • Be sure to connect the camera with the supplied USB cable. Proper operation cannot be guaranteed if using a USB cable made by another manufacturer. You may be unable to authenticate the device or import movies.
     
   • If the camera is connected to the computer via a USB hub, connect the camera directly to the computer's USB port without using the hub. The computer may not correctly recognize the camera if using a USB hub.
   • If USB Select is displayed on the LCD screen of your camera, tap USB Select.
   • Some camcorder models such as the HDR-CX7/CX12 or HDR-SR7/SR8 do not have a built-in USB port. In this case, you must use Sony Handycam Station.
   • If this is the first time the camcorder has been connected to the computer, the computer should automatically install the appropriate USB driver at this time.
4. If To use (model name) with PlayMemories Home, the USB operation mode must be changed. Do you want to continue? is displayed, click Yes. If you do not click Yes, you will not be able to register the camera to PlayMemories Home.
   
5. Perform the device authentication to add the camera’s functions to PlayMemories Home.
   Note: If device authentication has already been performed, skip this procedure and refer to the next procedure.
   • When PlayMemories Home recognizes the camera, the dialog Thank you for purchasing (model name) is displayed.
   • Check This is my camera and click on OK to close the dialog. The displayed functions will be added to PlayMemories Home and device authentication is complete.
     Notes:
     • If you own several cameras and various functions have already been added to PlayMemories Home, the Added Functions field of the dialog may be empty.
     • If device authentication fails, check the article I connected the camera to the computer, but the computer does not recognize the camera.
6. If a (model name) is connected. Do you want to display the features of this camera or media? dialog box is displayed, click Yes.
7. The PlayMemories Home software will start automatically.
8. Under Cameras and media, the name of your camera will be displayed. Click Import Media Files to display the photo and video importing menu interface.
   
9. Import sources will be displayed in this area.
   Note: When your computer connects to multiple cameras or memory cards, select import sources from the drop-down list.
   
10. Importing photos and videos to the computer from the photo and video importing menu interface.
    • Import all photos and videos
      Check Import new files to import all newly recorded photos and videos, excluding already imported ones.
    • Import selected photos and videos
      Check Select files to import to display thumbnail images stored in the camera or memory card.
      Put a checkmark in the checkbox of the thumbnail images you want to import.
      
    Note: When importing AVCHD/MPEG2 movies, device authentication must be performed for a Sony-manufactured camera compatible with the AVCHD/MPEG2 format.
    For details, refer to the article Cannot import images from the camera via a USB connection using the PlayMemories Home software.
11. In the Photo and Video importing window, the import drive, a folder for imported videos and photos, and a Settings button are displayed.
    Note: You can select a destination drive from the drop-down list by clicking and displaying the name of the destination folder currently set and a history of the destination folders to which you have imported videos and photos previously. When you click Browse, the folder selection window will be displayed, and you can select a destination folder.
12. Click the Import button to start importing videos and photos.
13. Once importing is successfully completed, the imported photos and videos will be displayed in the PlayMemories Home window.

Note: For further information about importing photos and videos using the PlayMemories Home software refer to the PlayMemories Home support website.