How to back up an iPhone on a Windows laptop
Before you start
Use a good USB/USB-C cable (data-capable, not charge-only).
Unlock the iPhone and, if prompted, tap Trust This Computer.
Method A (Recommended): Apple
Devices
app for Windows 10/11
Install/ open Apple Devices on your PC (from Microsoft Store).
Connect the iPhone to the PC with the cable. If asked on the iPhone, tap Trust and enter your passcode.
In Apple Devices, select your iPhone in the left sidebar → click General.
Under Backups, choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this computer.
(Optional but strongly recommended) Tick “Encrypt local backup” → create a password you’ll remember. If you forget it, you cannot use that backup.
Click Back Up Now and wait until it says the backup completed.
Click Manage Backups to confirm you see a backup with today’s date/time.
Why encrypt? Encrypted backups include Health data, saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, etc., that aren’t in standard backups. Don’t lose that password.
Method B:
iTunes
for Windows (older PCs / if Apple Devices isn’t available)
Open iTunes on the PC.
Connect the iPhone → click the small device icon (top-left).
In the Summary tab, under Backups, choose This computer.
(Optional) Tick Encrypt local backup → set a password.
Click Back Up Now.
To confirm, go to Edit > Preferences > Devices and check the latest backup date (a lock icon means it’s encrypted).
Optional: iCloud backup (no computer needed)
On the iPhone: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now (ensure you have enough iCloud storage). This is a good secondary backup in addition to a computer backup.
How to restore
from a computer backup (when needed)
Apple Devices: Connect iPhone → open Apple Devices → select General → Restore Backup… → pick the backup → enter the encryption password if prompted.
iTunes: Connect iPhone → device icon → Summary → Restore Backup… → choose backup → enter the encryption password if prompted.
Quick checks & troubleshooting
iPhone not showing up?
Try a different USB port/cable, unlock the phone, and confirm Trust This Computer.
Update Windows and the Apple apps; restart the PC and iPhone.
If still missing in Apple Devices, see Apple’s steps for when a computer doesn’t recognize an iPhone/iPad (USB, drivers, security software).
Backups/Manage Backups greyed out in Apple Devices? Close the app, reconnect the phone, and open Apple Devices again; ensure the phone is unlocked.
Encrypted backup password forgotten? You can’t use those encrypted backups without the password; you’ll need to set a new encrypted backup going forward.
What customers often ask
“Can I use Wi-Fi instead of a cable?”
Yes—after initial setup, Apple Devices/iTunes can work over Wi-Fi, but USB is more reliable for creating a full backup.
“What’s included?”
A computer backup (especially encrypted) includes most data and settings; media you synced from a library can be re-synced later.