Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your iTunes Backup Folder on Windows 11

How to Change the Location of iTunes Backups in Windows 11

If space on the main drive is feeling tight or it just makes organizational sense to move backups somewhere else, changing the iTunes backup location on Windows 11 can be pretty useful. It’s not like iTunes lets users switch it up in the settings, but there’s this trick with symbolic links that turns out to be simpler than you’d think. Once it’s set up, you can keep backups in a neater spot while relieving some pressure from your drive.

Find the Default Backup Directory

So, the first thing to do is figure out where iTunes is currently dumping those backups. It usually hides them in a folder that not everyone thinks to look at. The classic spot is this: C:/Users/[YourUsername]/Apple/MobileSync/Backup. You can get there via File Explorer by punching that path into the address bar or just hit Win + R, type in %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync, and hit Enter. Kind of annoying that it’s buried, but that’s where you’ll find it.

Set Up a New Location for Backups

Next, pick somewhere else to stash those backups. Whether you want to use an external drive, a different partition, or just another folder on your main drive, it’s up to you. Just make sure it’s roomy enough to handle whatever iTunes has stored over time. Create a fresh folder—let’s say it’s called “iTunesBackup_New” and placed at D:\iTunesBackup_New. Now, your backup situation looks a bit more organized.

Move Existing Backups

If there are already some backups chilling in that old location, it’s a good idea to transfer them to the new folder you just made. Open up C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Apple\MobileSync\Backup and toss everything into D:\iTunesBackup_New. This keeps your existing backups on hand without needing to start new ones from scratch. You never know when you’ll need those older files!

Create a Symbolic Link to Direct Backups

Now comes the magic part: creating a symbolic link so that iTunes thinks it’s still saving backups in that default space. Open Command Prompt as administrator:

• Search for cmd or Windows Terminal in Start
• Right-click it and select Run as administrator

Then hit this command, adjusting your paths as needed:

mklink /J "C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Apple\MobileSync\Backup" "D:\iTunesBackup_New"

Make sure to swap out [YourUsername] with the actual username and adjust the new backup folder path. The /J switch is handy because it makes a directory junction, letting your system treat your new folder as if it’s still located in the original spot. Windows can really throw a wrench in things sometimes, but this is one way to make it work for you.

Confirm Everything’s Set Up

Jump back to File Explorer and see if you can get to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Apple\MobileSync. You should spot a kind of shortcut there, or at least something that points to your new backup spot. Alternatively, check it out in Command Prompt with this:

dir "C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Apple\MobileSync"

If you see the Backup directory link showing up, you’re golden. Then run a test backup in iTunes by going to Open iTunes > Devices > Backup Now or hit Ctrl + B. If all goes well, those files should appear in your shiny new location at D:\iTunesBackup_New.

Practical Tips for Your iTunes Backups

Ensure that the new backup location has plenty of free space, and keep an eye on that symbolic link—it’s crucial. Use File Explorer or commands to confirm it’s still there. Running dir in that folder can show if the junction is intact. If using an external drive, just remember to keep it plugged in during any backups or restores, because that’s where things can get sketchy.

Should the need arise to ditch the link and revert to the original location, just delete Backup and plop that old folder back where it belongs. Oh, and undo the junction with rmdir "C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Apple\MobileSync\Backup".

Common Questions about Moving iTunes Backup Location

Can iTunes backups go to cloud storage folders?

You can, but watch out! Make sure those folders sync properly and don’t mess with the backup process.

What happens if the symbolic link gets deleted?

Breaking that link just means iTunes will lose the new location. Just recreate the junction using the mklink /J command like before.

Is it safe to move backups to an external drive?

Generally, yes. Just keep that drive connected during operations to avoid any potential issues.

Will changing the backup location mess with iTunes and my devices?

Nope, it’s just where the files are stored. Devices can sync just fine.

Reverting to the original folder easy?