How to backup iphone to external hard drive on my Windows PC

This practical method focuses on back up iPhone to an external hard drive on Windows 10 by creating a symbolic link to redirect the default save path.

A link is generated that tricks iTunes into thinking the external hard drive is the default backup location.

When done correctly, this method is both safe and stable, and it is the most reliable way to back up an iPhone to an external hard drive on Windows 10.

Requirements:

• An external hard drive connected to your computer
• iTunes installed
• Administrator privileges on your computer

How to back up iPhone to an external hard drive on Windows 10

Step 1: Locate the current iTunes backup folder

• Open File Explorer and go to:

%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync

You should see a folder called Backup

Step 2: Move the Backup folder to your external drive

• Delete or rename the existing Backup folder
• Create a new folder named Backup on an external hard drive
• Copy the existing backups from the old folder to the new folder

Step 3: Create the symbolic link

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Type cmd in Start search
• Right-click → Run as administrator

Type this command:

mklink /J "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup" "E:\iPhoneBackups\Backup"

Example breakdown:

%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup – where iTunes expects backups

E:\iPhoneBackups\Backup – where backups will actually be stored

• Press Enter – you should see Junction created

Step 4: Verify it worked

• Open %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync
• You'll see a Backup folder with a shortcut arrow overlay
• Double-click it – it should take you to your external drive folder

Step 5: Run a backup in iTunes

• Connect iPhone → iTunes → Back up now
• The backup will go to your external drive
• This works for all future automatic backups too.

Once the symbolic link is successfully created, you’ll never have to worry about iPhone backups taking up space on your Windows 10 system drive again. This setup will automatically and securely store all your future iPhone backups on an external hard drive. Once the backup is complete, you can even disconnect the hard drive for added security.