Question Copying files (photos) from Pixel 9 Pro XL to Windows PC

[Ltripreno]

Generally, I am a PC centric person. I like to get things from the mobile to my PC.
I am new to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. My previous phone was a Samsung A53. When I plugged in the USB cable to the A53, File Explorer would recognize it, and I could copy and paste easily.
The pixel 9 has an app "Link to Wondows" Connecting did not seem to be automatic. i had to open the app and re-connect. When I finally got a list of photos from the Pixel and tried to copy/paste, I get an error. Something about a cloud service. I found a solution on line and it pointed to OneDrive. I tried to turn OneDrive off/disconnect it. Nothing seems very intuitive or simple.
When I connect the Pixel to the PC via a USB cord, I have to open "connections" in the Pixel and select "file transfer" File Explorer does NOT see the Pixel as a USB device. And I have to select "file transfer" every time I connect via USB. When I try to copy/paste, I get a different error.
I simply want to copy files from the Pixel to the PC!! This should not be hard, but I can't figure it out!
It worked easy on the Samsung, but not on the Pixel!
Thanks in advance!

 

[B. Diddy]

After connecting to your Windows PC via USB, on the phone, swipe down the notification panel and look for an Android System notification (that might say "Charging this device via USB, Tap for more options"). Tap that, then in the USB Preferences options, select File Transfer. In Windows File Explorer, you should now see your Pixel show up in the lefthand panel. Select it, then double-click on Internal Shared Storage, then look in the /DCIM/Camera folder. That's where your locally saved photos taken by the Camera app are located -- you can drag and drop those to your PC's hard drive.

 

[Ltripreno]

After connecting to your Windows PC via USB, on the phone, swipe down the notification panel and look for an Android System notification (that might say "Charging this device via USB, Tap for more options"). Tap that, then in the USB Preferences options, select File Transfer. In Windows File Explorer, you should now see your Pixel show up in the lefthand panel. Select it, then double-click on Internal Shared Storage, then look in the /DCIM/Camera folder. That's where your locally saved photos taken by the Camera app are located -- you can drag and drop those to your PC's hard drive.

B. Thank you for the reply. I have done all that. Please let me recap/update......
I uninstalled the Link to Windows app from the phone to ensure that is not the problem.
I connect the phone to the PC via a USB cord. On the phone, I select "transfer" from the USB screen. On the PC, I go to Settings - "Bluetooth & devices" - Devices. I look down and I can see that the phone is connected, under "other devices". I go to file explorer on the PC and the phone does NOT show up.
I have an app on the PC called "Free Commander" which is an alternative file explorer. Free Commander does not see the phone either.
So, the phone knows it is connected, the PC knows it is connected, but it does not show up in file explorer. I am confused and frustrated!
I have done this many many times with my previous Samsung phone. I know how to navigate to the photos on the phone. I need the phone to show up in file explorer and I will be all set!!!
Thank you!