Up until now, the iTunes software was the only official option to back up and restore iPhone to a computer running the Windows operating system. However, with the release of the Apple Devices app, you now have a new way to back up and restore your iPhone to Windows 11 PC.
Before we tell you more about the Apple Devices app and how to back up your iPhone to a Windows 11 PC with the help of the new app, it’s worth noting that the Apple Devices app is not available for Windows 10.
Backup iPhone to Windows 11 PC using the Apple Devices app
This guide will show you how to back up your iPhone to Windows 11 PC.
NOTE: Your iPhone will be backed up to the drive where Windows 11 is installed. So, ensure that enough free space is available on the drive. If you are unsure about the space required, check how much space is used on your iPhone. Approximately the same amount of free space is required on your Windows 11 installation drive.
NOTE: You can use your iPhone during the backup process.
Step 1: Install the Apple Devices app from this page of the Microsoft Store if not installed already.
Step 2: Plug in your iPhone to Windows 11 PC using the cable provided with your iPhone.
Step 3: If you see the “Trust this computer?” prompt on your iPhone, please tap the Trust option.
Step 4: Once connected, launch the Apple Devices app. On the left pane, your iPhone should appear under the Devices section. If it does not appear, please unplug and plug in the iPhone again.
Step 5: Now, on the right side, under the General tab, click the Backup Now button.
If you want to encrypt (password protect) the backup copy, select the Encrypt local backup checkbox, type the password, and start backing up your iPhone. Needless to say, you need to key in the password when you restore your iPhone from the backup. So, you need to remember the password!
Step 6: Check your iPhone now. You might see the “Trust this computer” screen. If yes, enter the passcode to let the Apple Devices app back up your iPhone data to Windows 11 PC.
Depending on the size of the data on your iPhone, the backup process might take a few minutes to close to an hour. Do not disconnect your iPhone during the backup process.
Is Apple Devices better than iTunes?
Well, hard to say yes or no. The Apple Devices app is developed as a replacement for the iTunes software. It offers everything that you can find in iTunes. So, both iTunes and Devices apps equally good.
If you prefer iTunes, refer to our how to back up and restore iPhone using iTunes guide.
Why back up iPhone?
Backing up your iPhone (or any smartphone, for that matter) is important. A backup copies all the data on your iPhone, including contacts, photos, and messages, to your computer. You can use this backup copy to restore the backup to your iPhone if things go wrong or when you buy a new iPhone.
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