How to Copy iPhone Backup to External Hard Drive Windows 10
To copy an iPhone backup to an external hard drive on Windows 10, you’ll need to locate the backup files on your computer, then move or copy them to the external drive. First, locate the iPhone backup folder. Next, connect your external hard drive and create a new folder. Finally, copy the iPhone backup files into the newly created folder on your external hard drive.
Copy iPhone Backup to External Hard Drive Windows 10
This section will guide you through the steps to copy your iPhone backup to an external hard drive using a Windows 10 computer.
Step 1: Locate Your iPhone Backup Folder
Open File Explorer, then navigate to the folder where your iPhone backups are stored.
By default, iTunes stores backups in C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataRoamingApple ComputerMobileSyncBackup. You might need to enable the display of hidden files and folders to find the ‘AppData’ folder.
Step 2: Connect Your External Hard Drive
Plug your external hard drive into a USB port on your computer.
Wait a few moments for Windows to recognize the drive. Once recognized, the drive will appear under ‘This PC’ in File Explorer.
Step 3: Create a New Folder in Your External Hard Drive
Open your external hard drive in File Explorer and create a new folder to store your iPhone backup.
Right-click inside the external hard drive window, select ‘New’, and then click ‘Folder’. Give this folder a clear name like ‘iPhone Backups’. This keeps your backups organized and easy to find.
Step 4: Copy Your iPhone Backup Files
Go back to the iPhone backup folder, select all files, and then copy them.
You can either right-click and select ‘Copy’ or use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + C) to copy the files. Ensure you select all the necessary files to avoid any incomplete backup.
Step 5: Paste the Backup Files into the New Folder
Navigate to the new folder you created on your external hard drive, then paste the backup files.
Right-click inside the new folder and select ‘Paste’, or use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + V). The copying process might take some time, depending on the size of your backup.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone backup files will be safely stored on your external hard drive. This frees up space on your computer and ensures your data is backed up in multiple places.
Tips for Copying iPhone Backup to External Hard Drive Windows 10
- Always check that the backup process is complete before deleting any files from your computer.
- Use a USB 3.0 or higher external hard drive for faster transfer speeds.
- Consider regularly updating your backups to ensure you have the latest data.
- Label your backups with dates to easily track and manage them.
- Ensure your external hard drive has enough space to store your entire backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I copy my iPhone backup to an external hard drive?
Copying your iPhone backup to an external hard drive helps free up space on your computer and adds an extra layer of protection for your data.
Can I use any external hard drive for this process?
Yes, as long as the drive is compatible with Windows 10 and has enough storage space for your backup files.
Do I need special software to copy the backup files?
No, you can use File Explorer on Windows 10 to copy and move the files without any additional software.
How often should I update my iPhone backups?
It’s a good idea to update your backups regularly, especially before major iOS updates or if you frequently add new data to your phone.
What if I can’t find the backup folder?
Ensure you’ve enabled the display of hidden files and folders in File Explorer settings. If you still have trouble, you might need to change your iTunes backup location settings.
Summary
- Locate your iPhone backup folder.
- Connect your external hard drive.
- Create a new folder in your external hard drive.
- Copy your iPhone backup files.
- Paste the backup files into the new folder.
Conclusion
Moving your iPhone backup to an external hard drive on a Windows 10 computer is a simple yet effective way to manage your device backups. Not only does this free up valuable space on your computer, but it also adds an extra layer of security for your important data. With these straightforward steps, you can ensure your iPhone backups are safe and easily accessible whenever you need them.
Remember, regularly updating and managing your backups is crucial. By following these easy steps, you can keep your data organized and secure. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out more of our Windows 10 tips and tricks to make the most of your tech!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.