iTunes links your iPhone to a Windows 10 device. As an iOS user, you can use the free software to add music manually to Apple Music and, more importantly, archive files on your Windows 10 device.
The new iTunes version also allows you to reorganize your iPhone’s files, specifically music and photos.
Unlike macOS, Windows as an ecosystem has a different approach to storing backed-up files. In case you want to access the backed-up data, Windows 10 does not have an easily accessible iTunes backup location.
This article explores the best ways to copy iTunes backup, change the backup location, and –in case you do not need the files – how to delete them.
How to manage iTunes backup location
iTunes backup files on the Windows 10 devices are automatically stored in the system drive. The choice of location makes it easier to access them through iTunes. However, the lack of file management may affect your PC performance.
In managing iPhone backup on a PC, you can either archive iTunes backup files or, in some cases, delete them. To archive or delete iTunes backup, follow these steps.
- Close iTunes on your Windows 10 device
- Click on your file explorer and head straight to Local Disk C
- Select ‘Users’ and then open the option with your user name
- Click the first option, which is ‘AppData.’
- The first option under AppData is Apple Computer. Select it and then select “Mobile synch.”
The steps lead to the iTunes backup location. If you want to archive the iTunes folder, rename the folder. However, if you are going to erase the folder, right-click and select delete.
Change iPhone backup location in Windows 10
While iTunes only backs up selective files, you cannot account for the used space on your Windows 10 device. Unaccounted files – on the system drive – may affect your PC performance. Therefore, you should regularly change your iPhone backup folder on PC.
To change the iPhone backup location, follow these two steps:
- First, find iPhone backup files on Windows 10, by pasting %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync on your Windows Start Menu
- Copy the iTunes backup folder and move it to your preferred location.
Once you have moved the iPhone backup folder, you cannot access it through iTunes. If you are still interested in accessing the folder in the future through iTunes, you must create a symbolic link. Symbolic link makes accessing the moved folder easier from iTunes.
To create a symbolic link, follow these three steps:
- On the system drive where the backup folder was, click ‘shift,’ and then right-click.
- You will get ten options, select “Open command window here”
- Paste “%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “E:\Backup” on the Command Window to create a symbolic link
Conclusion
The steps and links provided above are useful for iOS and Windows 10 users, who are not only interested in space management but also efficiency.
While iTunes has frequent updates, the steps and tips outlined above are not subject to software updates. Also, it is advisable to ensure that you back up your iPhone on PC at least once every month.
Related Articles
