TL;DR: On Windows, you no longer need iTunes to back up an iPhone. Install Apple’s free Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store, connect your iPhone, tap Trust, select your iPhone, then General → “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this computer” → Back Up Now. Tick Encrypt local backup if you want Health, Activity and Keychain (saved passwords) data included. Backups are saved in %USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup.
Last updated: October 23, 2026. Steps checked against Apple Support documentation.
Apple split iTunes for Windows into separate apps: Apple Music, Apple TV and Apple Devices. Apple Devices is the one that backs up, updates and restores iPhones and iPads. This guide follows Apple’s official instructions; the screens may look slightly different depending on your app version.
Can you back up an iPhone to a PC without iTunes?
Yes. Apple’s own Apple Devices app for Windows does full iPhone backups, no iTunes required. Apple’s setup guide says you can use the app “to back up, update, or restore an Apple device.” It’s free in the Microsoft Store.
Apple’s backup article says to use iTunes only if “your PC doesn’t have the Apple Devices app.”
| Method | Cost | What it saves | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Devices app (Windows) | Free | Almost everything on the iPhone | Full backup you can restore |
| iCloud Backup | 5 GB free, paid plans above that | Data and settings not already in iCloud | Automatic backups over Wi-Fi |
| Windows Photos app import | Free | Photos and videos only | Copying your camera roll to the PC |
How do you back up an iPhone with the Apple Devices app?
Install the app, connect the phone, then select Back Up Now. These steps come from Apple’s Apple Devices user guide.
1. Install Apple Devices
Open the Microsoft Store, search for Apple Devices, and select Get.
2. Connect your iPhone
Plug the iPhone into the PC with a USB or USB-C cable. Unlock the iPhone and, when it asks Trust This Computer?, tap Trust and enter your passcode.
3. Select your iPhone
In Apple Devices, select your iPhone in the sidebar, then select General.
4. Choose a local backup
Select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this computer.” This stores the backup on your PC rather than iCloud.
5. Encrypt the backup (recommended)
Tick Encrypt local backup and create a password. Apple says an encrypted backup is the only computer backup that includes Activity, Health and Keychain data. Write the password down: Apple warns that if you forget it, “you won’t be able to use your previous encrypted backups.”
6. Select Back Up Now
Select Back Up Now and keep the cable connected until it finishes. Then select Manage Backups to confirm the new backup and its date.
What does a PC backup include and leave out?
A computer backup includes “almost all” of your iPhone’s data and settings, per Apple’s backup methods page. It leaves out:
- iTunes Store, App Store and Apple Books content (you can redownload it)
- Content synced from your PC, such as imported MP3s, videos and photos
- Data already stored in iCloud, like iCloud Photos and Messages in iCloud
- Face ID or Touch ID settings
- Apple Pay information and Apple Mail data
- Activity, Health and Keychain data, unless the backup is encrypted
- Offline maps
So if you use iCloud Photos, your photos aren’t in the PC backup. They’re in iCloud. If you want a local copy of your photos too, import them separately (see below).
Where are iPhone backups stored on Windows?
In %USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup. Apple’s instructions: press Windows key + R, type that path and press Enter. If it doesn’t open, try %AppData%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup (used by older iTunes installs).
Backups can be tens of gigabytes. Apple says computer backup storage “depends on your Mac’s or PC’s available space,” so check your free space first. Our guide to freeing up iCloud storage helps if you’d rather slim down what’s on the phone.
To stop a newer backup from replacing an older one, open General → Manage Backups, right-click the backup and choose Archive. Apple warns that a deleted backup can’t be recovered.
How do you copy iPhone photos to a PC without iTunes?
Use the Windows Photos app. Apple’s photo transfer guide says to install Apple Devices (it includes the driver), connect the iPhone, tap Trust or Allow, then import in Microsoft Photos.
Two tips from Apple:
- If iCloud Photos is on, download the full-resolution originals to the iPhone before importing, or you’ll only have optimized versions to copy.
- For maximum Windows compatibility, go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible so new photos are saved as JPEG and H.264 instead of HEIF/HEVC.
How do you restore an iPhone from a PC backup?
Connect the iPhone, open Apple Devices, select General → Restore Backup, pick a backup and select Restore. If the backup is encrypted, you’ll need its password.
You can also restore a backup onto a new iPhone during setup. If you’re switching phones, see our guide to transferring your eSIM to a new iPhone as well.
Should you use iCloud or your PC for iPhone backups?
Ideally both. Apple says you can back up using “iCloud, your computer, or both.” iCloud backups run automatically on Wi-Fi and are always encrypted. PC backups are free regardless of size but only happen when you run them (or sync over Wi-Fi).
| PC backup (Apple Devices) | iCloud Backup | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 5 GB free; iCloud+ for more |
| Encryption | Optional (off by default) | Always |
| Runs automatically | Only when connected/syncing | Daily on Wi-Fi, charging, locked |
| Size limit | Your PC’s free space | Your iCloud plan |
FAQ
Do I need iTunes to back up my iPhone on Windows?
No. Apple’s free Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store backs up, updates and restores iPhones on Windows. Apple only suggests iTunes if your PC can’t use Apple Devices.
Is Apple Devices free?
Yes. Apple Devices is a free app from Apple, available in the Microsoft Store.
Where does Apple Devices save iPhone backups?
In %USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup. Press Windows key + R, paste the path and press Enter. Older iTunes installs may use %AppData%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup.
Should I encrypt my iPhone backup?
Yes, if you can keep the password safe. Only encrypted backups include Health, Activity and Keychain (saved passwords) data. If you forget the password, you can’t use that backup.
Does an iPhone backup to PC include photos?
It includes photos stored only on the iPhone, but not photos stored in iCloud Photos. To keep a separate copy of photos on your PC, import them with the Windows Photos app.
Can I back up my iPhone to a PC over Wi-Fi?
Yes. Apple Devices supports syncing over Wi-Fi after you set it up once with a cable, and your iPhone backs up during the next automatic sync.
Sources checked October 23, 2026: Apple Support articles 108967, 108771, 108809 and 120267, and the Apple Devices for Windows user guide.
