Retrieving ICloud Photos

Using a PC

Steps

1. Download and install iCloud Control Panel for Windows ( http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1455 ).
2. Launch iCloud Control Panel for Windows and enter your Apple ID and password as prompted. You need an Apple iOS device or a Mac with OS X Lion or later to create an Apple ID before you can use iCloud.
3. Click the "Photo Stream" check box to enable Photo Stream. Click the "Options" button to make sure the Photo Stream option is selected. Enable My Photo Stream. Take note on the "Icloud Photos location" This is wheer your pictures will be stored
4. Click "Apply" 
5. Select "Photo Stream" from the Windows 8 Start screen at any time to view your own Photo Stream photos and those shared by others if you have selected the Shared Photo Streams option.

Using a Mac

Steps

1. Select "System Preferences" from the Apple menu on your Mac desktop and click "iCloud." Click the "Photo Stream" check box and then click "Options" to ensure that both "Photo Stream" and "Shared Photo Streams" are enabled.
2. Launch either iPhoto or Aperture. Click the "iPhoto" or "Aperture" menu at the top of the screen and select "Preferences." Click the "Photo Stream" tab and then select the "Photo Stream" and "Shared Photo Stream" options.
3. Select "Photo Stream" from the main window in either iPhoto or Aperture after you have configured it to see your Photo Stream photos.