File Explorer shows only newest photos on android phone

Question

File Explorer shows only newest photos on android phone

Rouffian 5

I am running Windows 11 Pro, 25H2 insider preview with all latest updates.

This has been happening for a month or so.

I connect my Samsung S20 to the PC with a good USB cable and look at the DCIM/Camera folder. It contains only photos taken this week, out of hundreds.

I can see the photos on Phone Link and can copy them manually to the PC, but I usually want them in sub-folders yyyy-mm and Phone Link doesn't display the date, and it's better to copy 30 at a time from File Manager anyway.
I tried this on one of my other PCs running the same version on Windows and using the same cable and it works. I have tried the usually recommended fixes, Resetting Phone Link, re-booting both devices while connected checking filters etc., but to no avail.

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Answer 1

Vikki-T 11,975 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Rouffian,

I can see why this is frustrating, especially when you need access to the full DCIM folder to organize a large number of photos by date.

Since the same phone and USB cable display all photos correctly on another PC, the photos and cable are likely fine. The issue appears to be specific to the affected PC, possibly its USB/MTP device connection or the current Insider build.

Please try the following:

Connect the phone, keep it unlocked, then open the USB notification on the phone and select Transferring files / Android Auto rather than charging only.
On the PC, open Device Manager, expand Portable Devices, right-click the Samsung phone or MTP USB Device, select Uninstall device, and then disconnect and reconnect the phone so Windows can detect it again.
Open the Windows Photos app and select Import > From a connected device to check whether the older photos are detected there.
If possible, try another USB port on the affected PC without using a hub or adapter.

Could you also share the full Windows build number shown under Settings > System > About > OS build, and confirm whether the missing photos are stored locally on the phone or on a microSD card?

If the issue remains after the MTP device is reinstalled, please report it through Feedback Hub by pressing Windows key + F. Include the build number and mention that the same Samsung S20 and cable show the complete DCIM folder on another PC. This comparison may help the Windows Insider team investigate the PC-specific behavior.

Microsoft’s official USB import guidance is available here: Import photos and videos from phone to PC Thank you so much for your understanding.

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Rouffian 5 Reputation points

2026-09-23T08:06:01.02+00:00

Bonjour Vikki,
Thanks very much for that.

What worked was uninstalling the device. It was a very quick and simple fix, but it worked after so many things didn't.

It probably no longer matters but my build is 26220.9492, and the photos were in internal storage.

Thanks again,

[moderator's note: PII removed]
Rouffian 5 Reputation points

2026-09-23T08:20:06.9866667+00:00

On additional point, just to mention it. In Explorer I have my phone under Desktop and again under This PC. Under Desktop the phone's Internal Storage shows only a few folders and the Camera folder has this week's photos only, while under This PC it shows the whole shebang, including all 1,300-odd photos.
When I unplug the phone the folders under Desktop remain, so I assume that they are related to Phone Link.
Vikki-T 11,975 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-23T10:13:58.6433333+00:00

Hi Rouffian,

Thank you for the detailed update. I’m glad reinstalling the device resolved the issue and that all of your photos are now accessible under This PC.

Your observation about the two phone entries is correct. The entry under This PC represents the direct USB/MTP connection, while the entry under Desktop is associated with the linked mobile-device experience in Windows, which is why it can remain visible after the USB cable is disconnected.

If you do not need the linked entry and would prefer to avoid confusion, you can open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage devices, then turn off Show mobile device in File Explorer. This should not prevent you from accessing the phone through This PC when it is connected by USB.

Thank you again for sharing what worked. This information may also help others who encounter the same behavior.