How to Change the iPhone or iTunes Backup Location in Windows Using MKLINK

QUICK ANSWER

Apple Devices and iTunes for Windows do not provide a normal setting for selecting a different local backup folder. Advanced users can move the MobileSync\Backup folder to another local drive and create a directory junction with mklink /J. Apple Devices or iTunes will continue accessing the original path while Windows redirects it to the new location.

This is an unofficial workaround, not an Apple-supported backup-location setting. Preserve the original folder until a new backup and restore point are verified. If the destination is external, it must be connected with the same drive letter whenever you back up, manage or restore the device.

 

What This Procedure Does

When Apple Devices or iTunes creates a local iPhone or iPad backup, it writes the files to a predetermined folder on the Windows system drive. Large backups can consume considerable space on C:.

The Windows mklink command can create a directory junction between the expected Apple backup path and a folder on another local drive.

For example:

Expected location:
C:\Users\UserName\Apple\MobileSync\Backup

Actual storage:
D:\AppleBackups\Backup

Apple software continues opening the expected location, but Windows redirects that access to the folder on D:.

Microsoft documents /J as the mklink option for creating a directory junction. Junctions can point to directories on different local volumes of the same computer. learn.microsoft.com

Important Support and Safety Information

Apple does not offer a supported preference for changing the Windows backup folder. The junction method is a Windows filesystem workaround and may need to be recreated after software, storage or account changes.

Before proceeding:

• Close Apple Devices and iTunes.
• Disconnect the iPhone or iPad.
• Ensure that no backup, synchronization, update or restore is running.
• Keep a second copy of the existing backup until testing is complete.
• Do not edit, rename or rearrange individual files inside a device backup.
• Use a reliable NTFS-formatted local drive when possible.
• Confirm that the destination has enough free space.
• Do not use a folder synchronized by OneDrive or another cloud client.
• Do not treat the relocated folder as your only copy of important data.
• Ensure that the destination drive is unlocked if BitLocker encryption is enabled.

An interruption, disconnected drive or failed target disk can make the backup unavailable or incomplete.

Step 1: Identify Which Apple Application You Use

The correct source folder depends on how Apple’s Windows software was installed.

Apple’s current guidance says to start with %USERPROFILE% for Apple Devices or Microsoft Store iTunes and %APPDATA% for traditional iTunes. support.apple.com

The folder may not exist until at least one local backup has been created.

Find the Exact Folder Through Apple Devices

The safest method is to let Apple Devices identify the backup:

1. Open Apple Devices.
2. Connect and select the iPhone or iPad.
3. Select General.
4. Select Manage Backups.
5. Right-click a listed backup.
6. Select Show in Explorer.

Apple documents Manage Backups and Show in Explorer as the supported way to locate existing backups. support.apple.com

Check the Folder Manually

Press Windows + R, enter the appropriate path and select OK.

For Apple Devices or Microsoft Store iTunes:

%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync

For traditional iTunes:

%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync

Do not proceed until you have confirmed which location contains the existing Backup folder.

Step 2: Choose a Safe Destination

Create a dedicated destination folder, for example:

D:\AppleBackups\Backup

The destination should:

• Be on a dependable local drive
• Have sufficient space for current and future backups
• Be accessible by your Windows account
• Remain available whenever Apple Devices or iTunes runs
• Not already contain unrelated files

A secondary internal SSD or hard disk is safer than removable media. If an external drive is necessary, assign it a stable drive letter through Windows Disk Management and connect it before opening Apple Devices or iTunes.

Avoid Network and Cloud-Synchronized Destinations

A mapped network drive, NAS share or cloud-synchronized folder can introduce disconnections, latency, file-locking conflicts or incomplete synchronization. A directory junction is intended for local filesystem paths and should not be used to redirect this backup to a network share.

For off-device protection, make a separate copy of a completed backup using an approved backup product instead of placing the live working folder inside a cloud-sync location.

Step 3: Close Apple Software

Close:

• Apple Devices
• iTunes
• Apple Music
• Apple TV
• Any application accessing the device backup

Open Task Manager and confirm that no active backup, synchronization or restore operation remains.

Do not move the folder while a backup or restore is running.

Step 4: Copy the Existing Backup

Copy the complete Backup folder to the new destination. Do not copy only selected subfolders.

For example, copy:

C:\Users\UserName\Apple\MobileSync\Backup

to:

D:\AppleBackups\Backup

For traditional iTunes, the source will normally resemble:

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

After copying:

1. Compare the approximate size of both folders.
2. Confirm that the destination contains the same device-backup subfolders.
3. Do not delete the source.
4. Ensure that your Windows account can create and modify files at the destination.

The destination folder must be named Backup in the examples below, although another name can be used if the command points to it correctly.

Step 5: Rename the Original Folder

Renaming is safer than immediately deleting the source. It provides a simple rollback if the link or destination fails.

Apple Devices or Microsoft Store iTunes

Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

ren "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup" "Backup.old"

Traditional iTunes

ren "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup" "Backup.old"

If Windows reports that the file is in use, close Apple software and restart Windows before trying again.

After renaming, verify that:

• Backup.old exists in the original MobileSync folder.
• The copied data exists in D:\AppleBackups\Backup.
• No ordinary folder named Backup remains at the source.

mklink cannot create the link if a file or folder already occupies the proposed link path.

Step 6: Create the Directory Junction

Open an Elevated Command Prompt

1. Open Start.
2. Type cmd.
3. Right-click Command Prompt.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. Approve the User Account Control prompt.

mklink is a Command Prompt built-in command. Typing it directly into PowerShell may produce a “not recognized” error. From PowerShell, invoke it through cmd /c or open Command Prompt.

Apple Devices or Microsoft Store iTunes

Run:

mklink /J "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup" "D:\AppleBackups\Backup"

Traditional iTunes

Run:

mklink /J "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup" "D:\AppleBackups\Backup"

A successful command reports that a junction was created.

The command has two paths:

mklink /J "link" "target"

• link is the original location Apple expects.
• target is the folder that physically stores the data.
• /J creates a directory junction.

The order is important. Reversing the paths will not create the intended redirection.

Step 7: Verify the Junction

Check It in Command Prompt

For Apple Devices or Microsoft Store iTunes:

dir /AL "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync"

For traditional iTunes:

dir /AL "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync"

The result should identify Backup as a junction and show its target:

<JUNCTION>     Backup [D:\AppleBackups\Backup]

Check It in File Explorer

Open the original MobileSync location and select Backup. It should open the destination folder transparently.

Create a temporary text file inside the destination and confirm that it appears when opening the original Backup path. Delete the temporary file before running Apple software.

Step 8: Create and Verify a New Backup

Apple supports creating computer backups through Apple Devices or iTunes. In Apple Devices, select the connected device, open General, choose the computer-backup option and select Back Up Now. support.apple.com

After the backup finishes:

1. Confirm that Apple Devices or iTunes reports successful completion.
2. Open Manage Backups and verify the new backup date.
3. Confirm that files in D:\AppleBackups\Backup have current timestamps.
4. Check that the destination drive’s used space increased as expected.
5. Restart Windows and confirm that the junction still works.
6. Keep Backup.old until you are satisfied that the new backup is usable.

Creating a backup confirms that data can be written. Only a successful restore fully proves recoverability, but performing an unnecessary device restore solely as a test is not recommended.

Step 9: Remove the Old Copy Safely

After creating and verifying at least one new backup, you may remove Backup.old to reclaim space.

Before deleting it, confirm all of the following:

• The junction points to the intended destination.
• Apple Devices or iTunes recognizes the backup.
• A new backup completed without an error.
• The destination contains current files.
• You have another recovery copy if the data is important.

Delete only the explicitly renamed Backup.old folder. Carefully check the path before deletion.

Avoid commands such as rmdir /s /q until the location has been independently verified. A typing error in a recursive deletion command can cause irreversible data loss.

How to Undo the Change

Close all Apple applications before reversing the procedure.

1. Remove Only the Junction

For Apple Devices or Microsoft Store iTunes:

rmdir "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup"

For traditional iTunes:

rmdir "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup"

When Backup is a junction, this removes the junction itself, not the target folder and its contents.

Before running the command, verify that the path is a junction:

dir /AL "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync"

or:

dir /AL "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync"

Do not add /S when removing the junction.

2. Restore the Original Folder

If Backup.old remains in the original location, rename it:

ren "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync\Backup.old" "Backup"

For traditional iTunes:

ren "%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup.old" "Backup"

If the old copy was deleted, create a normal Backup folder and copy the data back from the secondary drive.

3. Test Apple Devices or iTunes

Open the application, confirm that existing backups are recognized and create a new test backup.

Do not delete the destination copy until the restored local folder has been verified.

Troubleshooting

“Cannot create a file when that file already exists”

An ordinary file, folder or previous link named Backup already exists at the link path.

Use:

dir /AL "%USERPROFILE%\Apple\MobileSync"

Also inspect the folder in File Explorer. Rename an ordinary Backup folder rather than deleting it until its contents are secured.

“You do not have sufficient privilege”

Open Command Prompt with Run as administrator and repeat the command. Ensure that organizational endpoint policies permit filesystem links.

mklink Is Not Recognized in PowerShell

mklink is implemented by Command Prompt. Open cmd.exe or run:

cmd /c mklink /J "$env:USERPROFILE\Apple\MobileSync\Backup" "D:\AppleBackups\Backup"

For traditional iTunes:

cmd /c mklink /J "$env:APPDATA\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup" "D:\AppleBackups\Backup"

Apple Devices Cannot Find the Backup

Check that:

• The destination drive is connected.
• Its drive letter has not changed.
• The junction target exists.
• The current user can read and write the target.
• The correct Apple backup path was used.
• The complete backup folder was copied without altering its internal structure.

The Backup Still Uses Space on C:

Confirm that Backup is displayed as <JUNCTION> by dir /AL. Also check whether Backup.old still occupies space. The old folder should remain temporarily for recovery but can be removed after successful verification.

The External Drive Letter Changed

Use Disk Management to restore the expected drive letter, or recreate the junction with the new path. Do not start a backup while the junction target is unavailable.

Backup Fails with a Disk-Space Error

Both the system drive and destination may require free working space. Remove unnecessary files safely, verify the destination capacity and try again. Apple also recommends using current Apple software and restarting the PC and device when computer backups fail. support.apple.com

Access Is Denied at the Destination

Check the destination folder’s Security properties. The signed-in user should have permission to read, create, modify and delete files.

Do not grant access to Everyone merely to bypass the error. On managed computers, ask an administrator to apply appropriate permissions.

Benefits of Moving the Backup Folder

Frees Space on the System Drive

Large local device backups can be stored on a higher-capacity secondary drive.

Preserves Application Compatibility

Apple Devices or iTunes continues using its expected path because redirection occurs at the Windows filesystem level.

Keeps Backups in a Dedicated Location

A clearly named destination can simplify capacity monitoring and inclusion in an authorized backup plan.

Avoids Repeated Manual Copying

After the junction is configured, new backup data is written to the destination automatically.

Limitations and Risks

• Apple does not provide or support this as a backup-location setting.
• A disconnected or failed target drive makes the backup unavailable.
• Software updates or reinstalls may require the junction to be checked.
• Drive-letter changes break links that use absolute drive-letter paths.
• Local backups can contain sensitive personal and authentication data.
• An unencrypted device backup may omit certain protected information.
• A symbolic link or junction is not an additional backup copy.
• Deleting data through the linked folder affects the target folder.
• Cloud synchronization is not a safe replacement for backup verification.
• Managed computers may block junction creation through security policy.

Consider BitLocker protection for any drive that stores local device backups. Also consider enabling encrypted local backup in Apple Devices or iTunes when you need protected data—such as saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data and call history—to be included. Store the encryption password securely because Apple cannot recover an unknown local-backup password.

Supported Alternative: iCloud Backup

If moving local backup files is too risky, iCloud Backup is the supported location-independent alternative. It does not require a Windows folder or permanently connected secondary drive.

Apple distinguishes computer backups from iCloud backups, and each method has different storage, encryption and recovery characteristics. A sensible protection strategy may include both:

• An encrypted local computer backup for controlled offline recovery
• An iCloud backup for automatic off-device protection

Available iCloud storage and organizational policy should be considered before enabling it.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the backup location from Apple Devices or iTunes settings?

No. Apple’s Windows applications do not currently provide a normal preference for choosing another local backup directory. mklink redirection is an unofficial workaround.

Should I use mklink /D or mklink /J?

Both can redirect a directory, but /J creates a directory junction and is a practical choice for folders on local Windows volumes. /D creates a directory symbolic link and may be appropriate for other advanced scenarios.

Can I move the backup to an external USB drive?

Yes, but it is less reliable than an internal drive. The external drive must be connected, unlocked and assigned the expected drive letter whenever Apple software accesses the backup.

Can I use a NAS or mapped network drive?

A directory junction should target a local volume. Network destinations also add availability and file-locking risks. Store the working backup locally and use approved backup software to create a separate NAS copy.

Does creating a junction copy the backup data?

No. mklink creates a filesystem reference; it does not move or duplicate data. Copy the existing backup to the destination before creating the junction.

Will removing the junction delete my relocated backups?

Running rmdir against the verified junction without /S removes the junction, not its target. Always confirm that the path is shown as <JUNCTION> before removing it.

Why are there two possible Windows backup paths?

Apple Devices and Microsoft Store iTunes typically use the user-profile Apple folder. Traditional iTunes installations typically use the roaming AppData Apple Computer folder.

Can I open and edit files inside the backup?

No. The backup is an application-managed collection of databases and files. Editing, renaming or rearranging its contents can make it unusable.

Is the relocated folder automatically protected?

No. A junction does not add encryption, version history or redundancy. Protect the destination drive, use encrypted local backups where appropriate and maintain a separate recovery copy.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION / CONCLUSION

Use Apple Devices or iTunes to locate the actual backup folder before changing anything. Copy the complete folder to a reliable NTFS-formatted secondary local drive, rename the original folder instead of deleting it, and create a directory junction with mklink /J.

Verify the junction with dir /AL, complete a new backup and confirm that Apple software recognizes it before removing the old copy. Prefer an internal drive; if using removable storage, assign a stable drive letter and connect it before every backup or restore. For a fully supported alternative that does not depend on Windows filesystem redirection, use iCloud Backup.

 

SOURCES

• Original Bison Knowledgebase article: “How to Change iTunes Backup Location Using the MKLINK Command in Windows.” knowledgebase.bison.co.in
• Apple Support: Locate and manage backups of your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. support.apple.com
• Apple Support: Back up an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch using Apple Devices or iTunes for Windows. support.apple.com
• Apple Devices User Guide: Back up and restore an Apple device on Windows. support.apple.com
• Apple Support: Troubleshoot a computer backup that cannot be completed. support.apple.com
• Microsoft Learn: mklink command reference. learn.microsoft.com
• Microsoft Learn: Hard links and junctions.