How to backup ipad to pc without itunes on Windows 11

Backing up an iPad locally without iTunes is possible, but the command-line method requires the correct device utilities on Windows first. libimobiledevice includes idevicebackup2, which is specifically designed to create and restore iOS and iPadOS backups. For anyone who wants to backup iPad to Windows 11 pc, this utility can save the backup data to a local folder on the computer.

The Windows package needs to include idevicebackup2.exe and the libraries required for communication with the iPad. Once these files are prepared and the iPad trusts the computer, idevicebackup2 can be used to backup iPad to Windows 11 pc without opening iTunes. Windows binary distributions of these tools are available, although they are separate from the main source-code repository.

How to use libimobiledevice

Op. 1: Download a Windows build that includes idevicebackup2.exe, then extract the ZIP file to a permanent folder, such as C:\libimobiledevice. Keep the included DLL files in the same folder because the executable depends on them.

Op. 2: Connect the iPad to the PC with a USB cable. Unlock the iPad and tap Trust when Trust This Computer appears, then enter the iPad passcode.

Op. 3: Create a separate folder for the backup, for example C:\iPadBackup. Make sure the PC has enough free storage for the device data you want to back up.

Op. 4: Open the extracted program folder, click the File Explorer address bar, type powershell, and press Enter. This opens PowerShell directly in the folder containing the required executable.

Op. 5: Keep the iPad unlocked and connected to the PC. In the PowerShell window opened from the program folder, enter the following command and press Enter:

.\idevicebackup2.exe backup --full "C:\iPadBackup"

This command creates a full device backup and saves the backup data in C:\iPadBackup. Keep the iPad connected until the process is complete.

Op. 6: Leave the USB cable connected until the process finishes. After completion, keep the entire backup directory together rather than moving or editing individual files inside it.