iTunes stores your device backups in a specific folder on your computer. However, if you want to change the location where iTunes saves these backups (for example, to a larger drive or external storage), you can use the MKLINK command in Windows to create a symbolic link. This allows you to redirect iTunes to a new folder without losing any functionality or data.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of using the MKLINK command to change your iTunes backup folder from its default location to a new one on your desired drive.

Steps to Change iTunes Backup Folder Using MKLINK

1. Ensure No Active Backups

Before making any changes, ensure that iTunes or Apple Music is closed and that no backup processes are running. This ensures that there are no conflicts when you move or modify the backup folder.

2. Backup Existing Data (Optional but Recommended)

If you have existing backups that you want to preserve, now is a good time to back them up. The default iTunes backup folder is located at:

Copy the contents of this folder to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage, just in case.

3. Move the Backup Folder to a New Location

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the original backup folder:
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   C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync
2. Copy the entire Backup folder to your new location on the D: drive (or another drive of your choice). For example:
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   D:\iphonebackup

4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To create the symbolic link, you need to run the MKLINK command as an administrator. Here’s how:

1. Type cmd in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

5. Delete the Existing Backup Folder (If Necessary)

The MKLINK command won’t work if the Backup folder already exists at the target location. You need to delete the original folder before creating the link. You can do this manually through File Explorer or via Command Prompt.

To delete the folder via Command Prompt:

This command deletes the folder and all its contents.

6. Create the Symbolic Link Using MKLINK

Now, create a symbolic link to the new backup folder using the MKLINK command. In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command:

Explanation of the command:

• /D: This tells MKLINK that you are creating a symbolic link for a directory.
• "C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup": The original backup folder path.
• "D:\iphonebackup": The new folder where your backups are now stored.

If the command is successful, you will see the message:

7. Verify the Symbolic Link

Navigate to the original backup folder location (C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup). You should see that it now points to your new backup location on the D: drive.

8. Test the Backup

1. Open iTunes (or Apple Music, if applicable).
2. Perform a backup by selecting your device and clicking Back Up Now.
3. After the backup is complete, go to the new backup folder on D:\iphonebackup and verify that the backup files are stored there.

Troubleshooting

• Permissions: If you encounter permission errors, ensure that your user account has full control over both the original and new backup folders.
• Removing the Link: If you need to remove the symbolic link in the future, run the following command in Command Prompt:
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  rmdir "C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup"

Why Use MKLINK to Change iTunes Backup Location?

Changing the backup location for iTunes can help save space on your primary drive, especially if you have limited storage available on your C: drive. It’s a useful solution for users with large backup files or those who have an external hard drive or secondary internal drive with more space.

The MKLINK command allows you to create this redirection without disrupting iTunes' functionality, as the symbolic link makes it appear to iTunes as though it’s still using the default backup location.

Conclusion

Using the MKLINK command in Windows to change the iTunes backup location is a powerful and efficient way to manage your device backups. By following these steps, you can move your backups to a larger or more suitable drive, freeing up space on your system drive. Whether you're running out of space or simply want to organize your data better, this method provides an easy solution.