Back Up or Restore Your iPad Using the Apple Devices App on Windows

Questions

  • How do I back up my iPad using the Apple Devices app on my Windows PC?
  • Can I restore my iPad from a backup on my Windows computer?
  • What do I need before backing up or restoring my iPad on a PC?
  • Is it possible to encrypt my iPad backup on Windows?
  • Where can I find more information about managing iPad backups on a PC?

Environment

This article is for Bowdoin College students, faculty, or staff who use a Windows computer who do not have an Apple ID and need to back up or restore an iPad. It applies to anyone with an iPad running current versions of iPadOS and a Windows PC with Windows 10 or later, using the Apple Devices app. The Apple Devices app replaces iTunes for these functions on Windows.

Resolution

  1. Make sure your Windows PC is running Windows 10 or later, with the latest updates installed.
  2. Download and install the Apple Devices app from the Company Portal app or the Microsoft Store if you do not already have it.
  3. Open the Apple Devices app on your PC.
  4. Connect your iPad to your PC using a USB cable.
  5. If prompted, unlock your iPad and tap "Trust" to allow the PC access.
  6. In the Apple Devices app, select your iPad from the device list.
  7. To create a backup:
    1. Click "General" from the sidebar.
    2. In the "Backups" section, choose "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this computer."
    3. (Optional) To encrypt your backup, check "Encrypt local backup" and create a password you’ll remember.
    4. Click "Back Up Now."
  8. To restore a backup:
    1. Connect your iPad and select it in the Apple Devices app.
    2. Click "General" from the sidebar.
    3. In the "Backups" section, click "Restore Backup."
    4. Select the desired backup from the list and follow the prompts.
    5. If the backup is encrypted, enter the backup password when prompted.
  9. Wait for the process to complete. Keep your iPad connected throughout.
  10. Once finished, safely disconnect your iPad.

For more details, visit Apple’s official guide to backing up and restoring iPad with a PC. 

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.

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