You can download Kindle books to your PC using Amazon's free Kindle app or by converting files you own
Amazon lets you download Kindle books to a Windows or Mac computer in two main ways. The first is to install the free Kindle app from Amazon and read books directly in that program. The second is to download the actual book file to your computer — but this only works for books you own outright, not books you're reading through Kindle Unlimited or borrowed from a library.
The method you choose depends on what you want to do with the book. If you just want to read it on your PC, the Kindle app is the simplest route. If you want to convert it to another format, back it up, or use it in a different program, you'll need to download the file itself — and that process is more involved.
Key Takeaways
- The Kindle app for Windows and Mac is free from Amazon and lets you read your library on your computer without downloading individual files.
- You can download book files only for books you purchased, not for Kindle Unlimited rentals or library loans.
- Downloaded Kindle files use Amazon's DRM protection, which means they only open in Amazon software or with special conversion tools.
- To convert a Kindle book to PDF or another format, you'll need third-party software like Calibre, which requires removing the DRM protection first.
Installing and using the Kindle app on your computer
Go to amazon.com/kindle/apps and select the version for your operating system — Windows or Mac. Click the download button, run the installer, and sign in with your Amazon account. Once you're logged in, your entire Kindle library appears in the app automatically. You can read any book, adjust text size, search within books, and bookmark passages without downloading anything to your hard drive.
The Kindle app syncs across your devices, so if you read a few chapters on your phone and then open the app on your PC, it remembers where you left off. This is the fastest way to start reading on your computer and requires no extra steps.
Downloading the actual book file to your PC
To download a Kindle book file itself, go to amazon.com, sign in, and navigate to "Manage Your Content and Devices" under your account menu. Find the book you want, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Download & Transfer via USB." This downloads a file with a .azw or .azw3 extension to your computer's Downloads folder.
This option only appears for books you purchased. Kindle Unlimited books, library loans, and books borrowed from friends cannot be downloaded this way — you can only read them in the Kindle app or on a Kindle device.
The downloaded file is protected by Amazon's DRM (Digital Rights Management), which means it will only open in Amazon's Kindle software. If you try to open it in another program, it won't work.
Converting Kindle books to PDF or other formats
If you want to read a Kindle book in a different program or convert it to PDF, you'll need to remove the DRM protection first. The most common tool for this is Calibre, which is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Calibre can convert between many formats, including EPUB, PDF, and MOBI.
To use Calibre, download and install it from calibre-ebook.com. Then download a plugin called "DeDRM" from the same community that maintains Calibre — search for "DeDRM Calibre plugin." Install the plugin into Calibre, then add your downloaded Kindle file to Calibre's library. Once the file is in Calibre, you can convert it to PDF, EPUB, or another format.
This process is legal for books you own, but it does require extra steps and some technical comfort. Amazon's terms of service don't forbid removing DRM from books you purchased for personal use, though the legal status varies by country.
What to do if you can't find the download option
If the download button doesn't appear for a book, it's usually because the publisher or Amazon has restricted downloads. This is common for Kindle Unlimited books, library loans, and some newer releases. In these cases, your only option is to read the book in the Kindle app or on a Kindle device.
You can still read the book on your PC — just open the Kindle app instead. The app works offline, so you can download books to read later even without an internet connection.
Backing up your Kindle books
If you want to keep a backup of books you own, download the .azw or .azw3 files and store them in a folder on your computer or an external drive. These files are tied to your Amazon account, so they'll only open on devices logged into that account or in software that can read Amazon's format.
For a more portable backup, convert the files to PDF or EPUB using Calibre. That way, if you ever lose access to your Amazon account or Kindle app, you'll still have readable copies of the books you purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Kindle books offline on my PC?
Yes. The Kindle app downloads books to your computer when you open them, so you can read offline. Kindle Unlimited books and library loans work the same way — open them once with an internet connection, and you can read them later without one.
Will my Kindle books work on my PC if I'm not connected to the internet?
Yes, as long as you've opened the book at least once while online. The Kindle app stores the book on your hard drive after you read it. If you haven't opened a book yet, you'll need internet to download it first.
What's the difference between .azw and .azw3 files?
.azw3 is Amazon's newer format and is more common on recent Kindle books. Both work in the Kindle app and Calibre. If you're converting to PDF or EPUB, Calibre handles both formats the same way.
Can I print pages from a Kindle book on my PC?
The Kindle app doesn't have a built-in print function. If you need a printed copy, you can take screenshots or convert the book to PDF using Calibre, then print from there. Some publishers restrict printing on certain books.
Do I need to remove DRM to read my Kindle books on my PC?
No. The Kindle app reads DRM-protected files without any extra steps. You only need to remove DRM if you want to convert the book to another format or read it in a different program.