How to Back Up and Restore Your iPhone on a Windows PC with the Apple Devices App

Published ✓ Verified ⏱️ 2 min read May 17, 2026 · by Ryan Bennett

You want to back up your iPhone or iPad to a Windows PC, or restore it from a backup, now that iTunes has been replaced.

Why: On modern Windows, the Apple Devices app is Apple’s replacement for iTunes for device backup and restore. It backs up your iPhone or iPad straight to the PC’s hard drive — useful before an update, a repair, or moving to a new device. (If your PC doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, you can still use iTunes instead.)

Step 1: Install the Apple Devices app

Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
Search for Apple Devices and install the app from Apple.
If your PC can’t run it, install iTunes instead — the steps below note where they differ.

Step 2: Back up your iPhone to the PC

Connect your device to the PC with its USB/USB-C cable (or use Wi-Fi if already set up).
Open the Apple Devices app and select your device in the sidebar. If prompted, enter your device passcode or tap Trust This Computer on the iPhone.
Select General in the sidebar (in iTunes this is the Summary tab).
Choose Back up all of the data on your [device] to this computer.
(Recommended) Tick Encrypt local backup and set a password — this is the only way the backup includes saved passwords, Health, and Wi-Fi data. Keep the password somewhere safe: a forgotten encryption password cannot be recovered.
Click Back Up Now.

Step 3: Restore from a backup

Connect the device and open the Apple Devices app, then select it in the sidebar.
Select General, then Restore Backup.
Open the pop-up menu and choose the backup you want.
If the backup is encrypted, enter its password.
Click Restore and keep the device connected until it finishes and restarts.

FAQ

Do I still need iTunes? No. On current Windows, the Apple Devices app handles backup and restore. iTunes is only the fallback if your PC can’t run the Apple Devices app.

Why should I encrypt the backup? Only an encrypted backup saves your account passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi settings. Without encryption, those are left out.

Can I back up over Wi-Fi instead of a cable? Yes, once you’ve enabled Wi-Fi syncing, though the first backup over cable is more reliable.

Sources: Apple Support — Back up and restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with your Windows device or iCloud, Apple Support — How to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with Windows