Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Windows message “Requested Value Cannot Be Determined” usually appears when a phone-to-PC copy operation breaks while Windows is reading the phone’s DCIM folder or another large collection of photos, videos, or music. It is not a diagnosis of one specific Windows defect. The practical fix is to narrow the transfer, verify the destination, then eliminate cable, USB-protocol, file-system, and iPhone format problems in that order. Start by unlocking the phone, reconnecting it with a known-good data cable, selecting File Transfer (MTP) on Android or trusting the computer on iPhone, and copying a small batch to a short local folder such as C:PhoneTransfer.
What does “Requested Value Cannot Be Determined” mean?
The message means Windows could not complete the requested read or write operation during the transfer. Microsoft Community support describes these incidents as commonly related to file permissions or other problems during the file-transfer process. In practice, the interruption can occur on the phone, in the USB connection, while Windows enumerates thousands of files, or at the destination drive.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The wording is reported with Android phones and iPhones on Windows 10 and Windows 11, especially when users drag an entire DCIM folder. Microsoft Q&A pages from 2021 and 2024 show many related questions, but those page counts are not failure-rate measurements. No single cause or guaranteed fix has been established.
Why does the error appear during a phone-to-PC copy?
Work through the likely causes from least disruptive to most diagnostic. A successful small test copy tells you which branch to follow next.
Popular on Amazon
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Too many files in one operation
A DCIM folder can contain thousands of individual items, including thumbnails, edited versions, and video clips. Windows may time out or lose the phone’s media session while building that large transfer. Copying roughly 50 or 100 files at a time is a practical test suggested by troubleshooting guides; the exact batch size is not a Windows limit.
A single file is too large for the destination
FAT32 destinations cannot store one file larger than 4 GB. A long 4K video can exceed that limit even when the drive has plenty of free space. NTFS does not have FAT32’s 4 GB single-file restriction, although changing a drive’s file system normally erases its contents, so protect existing data first.
Destination space, permissions, or path problems
Windows needs enough free space for the selected files and permission to create them. A deeply nested folder can also create an excessive path length, while a read-only destination, damaged drive, or corrupted file can stop the copy. A short folder directly under a local drive removes several variables at once.
Unstable cable, port, or USB mode
Many phone cables charge but do not carry reliable data. A loose connector, USB hub, front-panel port, or failing cable can repeatedly reset the media session. Android must expose its storage through Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), with Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) as an alternative for some photo transfers. iPhone requires an unlocked device and a trust confirmation.
Also popular on Amazon
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
iPhone HEIC conversion handling
iPhones commonly store photos as HEIC. Vendor troubleshooting guidance identifies conversion settings as a possible factor when Windows cannot read or copy certain items. This is a targeted test for iPhone cases, not a universal explanation for the message.
How do I fix the error step by step?
Perform the steps in order. After each change, test with one small folder or a few files rather than retrying the entire phone.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Unlock and reconnect. Disconnect the phone, unlock its screen, reconnect it, and accept the trust prompt on iPhone. On Android, swipe down to open the USB notification and choose File Transfer or MTP. Restart the PC before testing again if the phone does not appear consistently.
- Replace the connection. Use a different connector-compatible USB data cable and a different USB port. Connect directly to the PC instead of through a hub. A rear motherboard port on a desktop is a useful comparison with a front-panel port.
- Create a simple destination. Make a folder such as
C:PhoneTransferon an internal drive. Confirm that the drive has more free space than the files you plan to copy, and avoid a network location, encrypted container, or removable drive until the basic copy works. - Copy a small batch. Open File Explorer, select a single subfolder or about 50–100 files, and copy them to the test folder. If that succeeds, continue with additional batches. If one batch fails, identify whether the same item fails repeatedly.
- Shorten the path and check attributes. Keep both source and destination paths short. In the destination, right-click the folder, choose Properties, and clear Read-only if it is set as an attribute. Verify that your Windows account can create and delete a test file there.
- Check the destination file system. In File Explorer, right-click the destination drive, select Properties, and read File system. If it is FAT32, look for any video or archive larger than 4 GB. Use an NTFS destination or another drive for that file; do not reformat a drive until its existing data is backed up.
- Try the phone’s alternate USB mode. On Android, switch from MTP to PTP for a photo-only test, or switch back to MTP for videos and general storage. The available labels vary by manufacturer and Android version. On iPhone, keep the device unlocked while the copy is running.
- Isolate a damaged item. If every batch works except one, copy the files in that batch individually or in groups of five. A file that always fails may be incomplete or corrupted on the phone; use the phone’s gallery or another backup route to export it instead of repeatedly retrying the same operation.
How do I transfer files from Android when MTP fails?
Android’s USB notification controls whether Windows sees the phone as a camera, a charging device, or a storage device. The phone must remain unlocked long enough for Windows to enumerate its folders.
Use File Transfer (MTP)
- Connect the phone with a data-capable cable.
- Unlock the phone and pull down the notification shade.
- Tap the USB notification, often labeled Charging this device via USB.
- Select File Transfer, Android Auto with file access if offered, or MTP.
- In Windows File Explorer, open This PC, select the phone, then open Internal storage > DCIM.
- Copy one dated camera folder first. Add other folders only after the test succeeds.
MTP does not present the phone as a normal drive with a drive letter. Windows requests each file through the phone’s media service, so locking the screen, changing USB modes mid-copy, or allowing the phone to sleep can interrupt the session.
Also popular on Amazon
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
When is PTP worth trying?
PTP exposes the phone primarily as a camera and can succeed when MTP enumeration is unstable for photos. It is less suitable for arbitrary documents, music libraries, or large mixed folders. If PTP works for photos but not videos or documents, return to MTP and transfer those categories separately.
How do I fix the error when copying from an iPhone?
First establish trust and then test the iPhone’s photo-transfer behavior. iOS may convert HEIC photos to a Windows-friendlier format during transfer, which adds another processing step.
Recommended Free Tools
- Connect the iPhone, unlock it, and tap Trust when asked whether to trust the computer. Enter the device passcode if prompted.
- Keep the screen unlocked while opening This PC > Apple iPhone > Internal Storage > DCIM in File Explorer.
- Copy one small dated folder rather than the entire DCIM directory.
- For a HEIC-related failure, open Settings > Apps > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC and choose Keep Originals. Disconnect and reconnect before testing again.
Keep Originals changes how files are delivered; it does not repair a damaged photo. If a particular image still fails, export it through the Photos app or a cloud service and compare the resulting file.
Which fix should I try first?
The right choice depends on the symptom you can reproduce. This table compares the main paths without implying that any one succeeds in every case.
Also popular on Amazon
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
| Fix | Primary symptom | Changes the data path? | Extra hardware | Relative effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copy smaller batches | Failure while copying a whole DCIM folder or thousands of items | No | No | Low, but slower overall |
| Different data cable or USB port | Phone disconnects, disappears, or transfer restarts | No | Possibly a cable | Low |
| Check space, permissions, path, and read-only state | Copy stops at the destination or reports access/storage symptoms | No | No | Low |
| MTP/PTP or iPhone transfer-setting change | Phone appears but folders or media cannot be read correctly | USB protocol or conversion mode | No | Low to medium |
| USB SD card reader | Phone connection remains unreliable and media is on a removable card | Yes | Card reader | Medium |
| Cloud upload and PC download | All direct USB attempts fail | Yes | No, but internet access | Medium; upload time and cloud capacity required |
What should I do if a video is larger than 4 GB?
Confirm the destination file system before changing anything. Right-click the destination drive in File Explorer, choose Properties, and check whether it says FAT32. If so, copy the large file to an NTFS-formatted destination or another drive that supports files above 4 GB. Copy existing files off the destination before reformatting; formatting destroys its contents.
The 4 GB restriction applies to one file, not the total transfer. A thousand small photos can fit on FAT32 if there is sufficient free space, while one 4.1 GB video cannot.
Can an SD card reader bypass the problem?
Yes, when the media is stored on the phone’s removable SD card. Power down or safely unmount the card according to the phone’s instructions, remove it, insert it into a compatible USB SD card reader, and copy the DCIM folders directly in File Explorer. This replaces the phone’s USB and MTP layer with a card-reader path, so it will not help files stored only in internal phone storage.
Copy from the card to a local folder first. Do not edit or delete the card’s files until the PC copy has been opened and verified.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
What if USB transfer still does not work?
A cloud route avoids the phone-to-Windows USB session entirely. Upload the selected photos, videos, or music to a service such as OneDrive or Google Drive from the phone, wait for the upload to finish, then download them on the PC. This requires reliable internet bandwidth, enough cloud capacity, and time for two transfers; preserve the originals until the downloaded files open correctly.
For a small number of files, sending them through the phone’s sharing feature or using a manufacturer desktop application may also work, but those methods can change file names, metadata, or formats. Keep the original phone files until you have checked the copy.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How can I prevent the message on the next transfer?
- Use a cable known to support data, not only charging, and connect directly to the PC.
- Unlock the phone before opening its storage and keep it awake during a large copy.
- Organize transfers by date or media type instead of selecting the entire DCIM folder.
- Keep a short, writable destination path with ample free space.
- Check the destination file system before moving very large videos.
- After copying, open several photos and play at least one video from the destination before deleting anything from the phone.
These practices reduce the conditions associated with the error, but they cannot guarantee a successful transfer when a phone, cable, drive, or individual file is physically damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does “Requested Value Cannot Be Determined” mean my phone is damaged?
Not necessarily. The same wording can result from a bad cable, an unsuitable USB mode, a full or read-only destination, an oversized file on FAT32, or a single corrupted item. Test a few small files to separate a connection problem from a file-specific problem.
Why can I browse my phone but not copy its DCIM folder?
Browsing may require only directory information, while copying requires Windows to request every file and maintain a live MTP or iPhone session. A large item count, the phone locking, or a destination restriction can break the copy after the folder appears normal.
Will changing FAT32 to NTFS fix every transfer failure?
No. NTFS removes FAT32’s 4 GB single-file limit, but it does not repair USB disconnects, permissions, corrupted media, or phone protocol issues. Confirm that a file actually exceeds 4 GB before considering a different destination.
Is cloud transfer safer than copying over USB?
It avoids USB and MTP failures, but it introduces upload time, internet dependence, cloud storage limits, and a second download step. Keep the phone originals until you verify that the downloaded files open correctly on the PC.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
