A Windows PC can store a full local iPhone backup, but you need Apple software first. The modern method is the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store. iCloud for Windows is also useful, but it syncs selected data rather than creating a full device backup.
These steps apply to iPhones running iOS 17 or iOS 18 and Windows 10 or Windows 11 PCs.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want a copy of your iPhone saved on your PC before resetting, selling, repairing, or replacing the phone, or if you do not want to rely only on iCloud storage.
Back Up with the Apple Devices App
This creates a local device backup on the PC and does not consume iCloud storage.
- On the Windows PC, open the Microsoft Store, search for Apple Devices, and install Apple’s official app.
- Connect the iPhone to the PC with a USB or USB-C cable.
- On the iPhone, tap Trust if asked to trust this computer, then enter the passcode.
- Open the Apple Devices app and select the iPhone from the device area.
- Under Backups, choose This PC.
- Click Back Up Now and keep the iPhone connected until the backup completes. Large first backups can take many minutes or more.
Sync Photos and Files with iCloud for Windows
This is not a full iPhone backup, but it helps keep photos and iCloud Drive files available on the PC.
- Install iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store.
- Open it and sign in with the same Apple ID used on the iPhone.
- Enable Photos and iCloud Drive, then click Apply.
- On the iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then go to iCloud > Photos and make sure Sync this iPhone is on.
- Allow time for the first sync. Large photo libraries can take hours. Synced items appear in File Explorer under iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive.
Important Backup Details
Encrypt the Backup
In Apple Devices, enable Encrypt local backup if you want saved passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi settings included. Store the encryption password carefully, because Apple cannot recover it.
Where Windows Stores Backups
Apple Devices stores local backups at C:Users[your username]AppDataRoamingApple ComputerMobileSyncBackup. AppData is hidden, so type the path into File Explorer if you need to check the folder.
If the iPhone Is Not Detected
Unlock the iPhone, confirm the Trust prompt, try another USB port or data-capable cable, and restart Windows after installing Apple Devices so Apple Mobile Device services load correctly.
Confirm the Backup Date
Select the iPhone in Apple Devices and check Latest Backup. If the date is old, repeat the backup with the iPhone unlocked and connected the whole time.
Sources
- Apple Support: Back up your iPhone
- Apple Support: Use the Apple Devices app on Windows
- Apple Support: Set up iCloud for Windows