There are all sorts of ways to get your music, ringtones, and podcasts between your phone and your computer using the cloud, but sometimes the fastest way is the old-fashioned way—plugging your phone into your computer.

You can keep it simple by adding files with File Explorer (called Windows Explorer in some versions of Windows), or use one of the Windows Phone apps. The Windows Phone app for desktop is a great way to sync with iTunes or add ringtones in Windows 8 or Windows 7. If you prefer a clean, modern interface that you can use on the Start screen, try out the Windows Phone app for Windows 8.

If you’re not sure which app is best for you, you can use the Sync wizard (English only) to help you decide.

Use File Explorer (Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP)

If you simply want to move your music from one place to another, the easiest way is to use File Explorer (called Windows Explorer in some versions of Windows).

To add music or ringtones

Do one of the following:

– If you’re using Windows 8, go to Desktop view, and then open File Explorer from the taskbar.

– If you’re using Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, open Windows Explorer from the taskbar.

Under Computer, click your phone’s name, and then click Phone.

To move files between your phone and your PC, right-click the file you want to copy and click Copy.

Right-click in the folder you want to move the file to and click Paste. If you’re adding music or ringtones to your phone, put the file in the Music or Ringtones folder so your phone will be able to find it.

Note: If you connect your phone to a PC running Windows XP, your PC may mistakenly ask you to install software that isn’t available. If you get this wizard, click Cancel—you don’t need to install the software. You’ll then be able to use Windows Explorer to move files between your phone and your computer.

Use Windows Phone app for desktop (Windows 8 and Windows 7)

The Windows Phone app for desktop lets you sync music and podcasts between your phone and your Windows 8 or Windows 7 PC, as well as add ringtones to your phone. You can choose to sync with your Windows Libraries or with iTunes.

Note: The Windows Phone app for desktop is not available in all countries or regions.

To sync music

– In the Windows Phone app for desktop, click Music.

– Make sure the Sync music check box is selected.

– Do one of the following:

– To sync some of your collection, select any playlists, genres, artists, or albums you want to -sync.
– To sync your entire music collection, select the Sync all music check box.
– Click Sync.

To sync podcasts

– In the Windows Phone app for desktop, click Podcasts.

– Make sure the Sync podcasts check box is selected.

– In the Sync list, choose how many episodes you want to sync, and whether you want to sync unplayed episodes only.

– Do one of the following:

To sync some of your podcasts, select the ones you want to sync.

To sync all of your podcasts, select the Sync all podcasts check box.

Note: Only podcasts that you’ve downloaded from iTunes will appear in the list of podcasts, even if you’ve chosen to sync with your Windows Libraries.

– Click Sync.

To add ringtones

The Windows Phone app for desktop can tell which of your songs will work as ringtones.

– In the Windows Phone app for desktop, click Ringtones.

– Select any of the songs you’d like to use as ringtones on your phone, then click Add.

– On your phone, in the App list, tap Settings > Ringtones + sounds.

– In the Ringtones list, choose the one you want to use.

To save things to your PC or delete them from your phone

– In the Windows Phone app for desktop, in the upper-right corner, click Phone, and then click Music or Podcasts.

Tip: If you have an SD card and you don’t see what you’re looking for, try adjusting your filters. Click Storage, then click All or SD card.

– Select the items or folders you want to delete or move. (If the options don’t appear automatically, click or flick up from the bottom of the screen to show them.)

– Do one of the following:

Click Save to PC.
Click Delete.
Note: If you delete something from your phone that you’ve selected to sync, it will be added back to your phone the next time you sync.

Use Windows Phone app (Windows 8)

The Windows Phone app has a modern interface that highlights album art and makes it easy to add music and playlists from locations on your PC. To get the Windows Phone app, just plug your phone into your computer, and the app will download automatically.

To add music or playlists

– In the Windows Phone app, click Add music.

– Do one of the following:

– Click a folder to choose specific songs to add.
– Click the Playlists folder to choose specific playlists to add.
– To choose a different folder, click Go up.
– To add a whole folder, right-click the folder.

– Click each song or playlist you want to add. All of the files you choose will appear at the bottom of the app.

– When you’ve chosen all of the songs or folders you want, click Add.

Via WindowsPhone