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Prepositions with PC

PC with of, for, on, to, and from

PC usually combines with prepositions according to the surrounding verb or noun. Some combinations are fixed, while others simply describe location or movement.

Quick answer

Which preposition works with PC?

For PC is common when something is intended for a computer. On a PC describes using or displaying something on the computer. To a PC and from a PC show movement of data. Of PC is uncommon except in technical noun phrases.

This software is designed for PCs.
I edited the document on my PC.
Transfer the files to the PC.
She copied photos from the PC.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
for + PC

Showing intended use

Use for when something is made or suitable for a PC.

They released a new version for PC users.
This keyboard is for PCs running Windows.
2
on + PC

Using or displaying something on a computer

Use on to describe activity, storage, or display on a PC.

I watched the video on my PC.
The files are stored on the PC.
3
to + PC

Moving data or connection toward a computer

Use to for transfer, sending, or connection toward a PC.

Send the backup to the PC.
Connect the printer to your PC.
4
from + PC

Moving data away from a computer

Use from when data or objects originate from the PC.

She copied documents from the PC to a drive.
Delete the virus from your PC immediately.
5
of + PC

Limited formal or technical use

Of PC is uncommon alone but may appear in technical noun phrases such as the performance of a PC.

The review examined the speed of the PC.
Users complained about the reliability of the PC.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
for PC
The game was developed for PC.
Intended platform or use.
on PC
I usually work on a PC.
Location or device used.
to PC
Transfer the photos to your PC.
Movement toward the computer.
from PC
He removed the files from the PC.
Movement away from the computer.
of PC
The design of the PC was updated.
Formal relationship inside a noun phrase.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in instead of on for computers

English normally uses on with computers and devices.

✕ I saved it in my PC ✓ I saved it on my PC

Using of PC without context

Of PC usually needs a noun before it.

✕ details of PC ✓ details of the PC

Confusing to and on

To shows movement; on shows location.

✕ Upload the file on the PC ✓ Upload the file to the PC

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. This application was built ___ PC users.
2. I left the document ___ my PC.
3. Copy the folder ___ the PC to the drive.

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Frequently asked questions

Do we say on a PC or in a PC?

On a PC is standard when talking about using or storing something on a computer.

Is for PC correct?

Yes. It means intended for PC users or systems.

When is of PC used?

Mostly in formal noun phrases such as the performance of the PC or the design of the PC.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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