How to Reset Your iPhone Using a Windows PC

You can reset an iPhone from a Windows PC using iTunes or the Finder app, depending on your Windows version and what kind of reset you need

A reset from your PC is useful when your iPhone is frozen, won't turn on, or you're preparing to sell it. Windows PCs can connect to iPhones through iTunes (on Windows 10 and earlier) or the File Explorer (on Windows 11), and both routes let you erase the phone completely or restore it from a backup. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your phone's storage and internet speed.

Before you start, back up any data you want to keep. Once you erase an iPhone from your PC, the data is gone unless you have a backup stored in iCloud or on your computer. You'll also need your Apple ID and password to reactivate the phone after the reset.

Key Takeaways

iTunes (Windows 10 and earlier) or File Explorer (Windows 11) connects your iPhone to your PC and lets you erase or restore it.
You must have your Apple ID and password ready before you start, because you'll need them to reactivate the phone after the reset.
A full erase removes all data and settings; a restore from backup erases the phone but reinstalls your apps, photos, and settings from a saved backup.
If your iPhone won't turn on or respond, you may need to force it into recovery mode before your PC will recognize it.
The reset process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone and your internet connection speed.

Install iTunes or use File Explorer on your PC

On Windows 10 and earlier, read iTunes from the Microsoft Store or Apple's website. Open it and leave it running in the background — iTunes detects your iPhone automatically when you plug it in via USB cable.

On Windows 11, iTunes is no longer available. Instead, open File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar), plug in your iPhone, and look for it in the left sidebar under "Devices and drives." Windows 11 handles iPhone connections through File Explorer instead of a separate app.

If your PC doesn't recognize the iPhone after you plug it in, restart both devices and try a different USB port. Damaged cables are common — if the phone still doesn't show up, try another cable if you have one available.

Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable

Use the USB-to-Lightning cable that came with your iPhone, or any Apple-certified cable. Plug the Lightning end into the bottom of your iPhone and the USB end into a port on your PC.

Your iPhone will ask "Trust this computer?" on the screen. Tap Trust, then enter your iPhone's passcode if prompted. This step is required — without it, your PC cannot access the phone's data.

Wait for your PC to finish installing drivers (this happens automatically the first time you connect). You'll see the iPhone appear in iTunes or File Explorer once the connection is ready.

Open the iPhone settings in iTunes or File Explorer

On Windows 10 with iTunes: Click the iPhone icon (small phone symbol) near the top left of the iTunes window. You'll see a summary page with buttons for "Restore" and "Update."

On Windows 11 with File Explorer: Right-click the iPhone in the left sidebar and select "Device properties." Scroll down to find the "Reset" or "Restore" option. The exact wording varies depending on your iPhone model and Windows version.

If you don't see the iPhone icon or device properties option, disconnect the cable, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect. Sometimes the connection needs a moment to fully initialize.

Choose between erase and restore

Erase (also called "Reset") removes all data, settings, and apps from your iPhone and returns it to factory condition. Use this if you're selling the phone, giving it away, or starting completely fresh. After erasing, the phone will ask for your Apple ID and password to reactivate.

Restore erases the phone but then reinstalls your apps, photos, messages, and settings from a backup file. Use this if your iPhone is frozen or malfunctioning but you want to keep your data. You can restore from an iCloud backup (stored in Apple's cloud) or a backup file on your PC.

If you don't have a backup and want to keep your data, stop here and back up your phone first. Plug it in, open iTunes or File Explorer, and look for a "Back Up Now" button on the summary page.

What to do if your iPhone won't turn on or respond

If your iPhone is completely unresponsive, you may need to force it into recovery mode before your PC will recognize it. Recovery mode is a special startup state that lets your PC communicate with the phone even if the normal operating system won't load.

To force your iPhone into recovery mode, the steps depend on your model. For iPhone X and newer, press and hold the volume-up button, then the volume-down button, then press and hold the side button until you see the recovery mode screen (a cable pointing to a computer icon). For iPhone 8 and earlier, hold the top (or side) button and the home button together until the same screen appears.

Once you see the recovery mode screen, your PC should recognize the phone. iTunes or File Explorer will offer to restore or update it. Choose "Restore" to erase and reinstall the operating system.

Complete the reset and reactivate your iPhone

Click the "Erase" or "Restore" button and confirm when prompted. Your PC will read the latest iPhone operating system (this can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on file size and internet speed) and then erase your phone and install it.

Do not unplug the iPhone during this process. If the connection drops, your phone may get stuck in recovery mode. If that happens, reconnect it and try the restore again.

When the reset finishes, your iPhone will restart and show the setup screen. Unplug it from your PC and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID — use the same account that was on the phone before, or a new account if you're setting it up for someone else. If you restored from a backup, your apps and data will read automatically over the next few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my Apple ID password to reset my iPhone from my PC?

You need it to reactivate the phone after the reset. If you erase the iPhone, it will ask for the Apple ID and password that was originally on the phone. If you don't have the password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com before you start the reset process.

Can I reset my iPhone if I forgot my passcode?

Yes. A reset from your PC erases the passcode along with everything else. You'll need your Apple ID and password to reactivate it afterward, but you don't need the passcode to start the reset.

What's the difference between Update and Restore in iTunes?

Update installs a newer version of iOS while keeping your apps and data. Restore erases everything and reinstalls iOS from scratch. Use Restore if your phone is frozen or malfunctioning; use Update if you just want the latest software.

How long does a reset take?

Usually 15 to 45 minutes. Most of the time is spent downloading the operating system file (5 to 15 minutes) and erasing the phone (5 to 10 minutes). Older phones or slower internet connections take longer.

What if my PC doesn't recognize my iPhone after I plug it in?

Try a different USB cable first — the cable may be damaged. Restart both your PC and iPhone, then reconnect. If it still doesn't show up, make sure you tapped "Trust" on the iPhone screen when prompted. On Windows, you may also need to install the latest iTunes or Windows updates.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.