How to Update Your iPhone Using a Windows PC

You can update your iPhone through a Windows PC using iTunes or the Finder app, depending on your Windows version and iPhone model

Updating your iPhone on a PC requires connecting your phone to your computer and using either iTunes (on Windows 10 and earlier) or the Finder app (on Windows 11). The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed. Your iPhone will restart several times during the update, and you should not disconnect it until the process finishes.

Before you start, back up your iPhone data to iCloud or your PC. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable — use the cable that came with your phone or a certified replacement, as third-party cables sometimes cause connection problems. Your computer will recognize the device within a few seconds.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 users open iTunes and select their iPhone from the device menu to check for updates; Windows 11 users do the same in the Finder app under Devices.
You must have a USB cable that works reliably, as a loose connection will interrupt the update and require you to start over.
Back up your iPhone to iCloud or your PC before updating, in case something goes wrong during the process.
The update downloads to your computer first, then installs on your iPhone — this can take 20 to 40 minutes depending on file size and internet speed.
Do not disconnect your iPhone, close the app, or shut down your computer while the update is running.

Updating on Windows 10 with iTunes

Windows 10 uses iTunes to manage iPhone updates. read iTunes from the Microsoft Store or Apple's website if you do not have it already. Open iTunes, plug in your iPhone with a USB cable, and wait for the app to recognize your device — you will see your phone's name appear in the upper left corner of the window.

Click your iPhone's name to open its summary page. Under the "Version" section, you will see a button labeled "Check for Update" or "Update." Click it. iTunes will connect to Apple's servers and read the latest version available for your phone. If an update is ready, click "Update" again to begin the installation. Do not unplug your iPhone or close iTunes while the update runs.

Your iPhone will restart several times. The screen may go black or show the Apple logo — this is normal. When the update finishes, iTunes will show a confirmation message and your iPhone will restart one final time. You can then unplug your phone and use it normally.

Updating on Windows 11 with the Finder App

Windows 11 replaced iTunes with the Finder app for managing iPhones. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable. Open Finder (the folder icon on your taskbar), and look for your iPhone's name in the left sidebar under "Devices." Click it to open your phone's summary page.

Scroll down to the "General" section and look for "Software Version." Below that, you will see a button that says "Check for Update" or "Update." Click it. Finder will read the latest version from Apple's servers. Once the read finishes, click "Update" to install it on your iPhone. Your phone will restart multiple times during installation — leave it connected and do not close Finder.

The installation usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. When it finishes, Finder will show a confirmation message and your iPhone will restart. You can then unplug your phone and start using it with the new software version.

What to Do If Your iPhone Does Not Appear on Your PC

If your iPhone does not show up in iTunes or Finder after you plug it in, the USB cable may be damaged or not fully inserted. Unplug the cable, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Try a different USB port on your computer — sometimes a port stops working without warning.

If your iPhone still does not appear, restart both your phone and your computer. Hold the power button on your iPhone until "slide to power off" appears, then swipe to shut it down. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Restart your computer as well. Plug in your iPhone again and check whether it appears in iTunes or Finder.

If the device still does not show up, your USB cable may be the problem. Try a different cable — borrow one from a friend or buy a certified Apple cable. Third-party cables sometimes work for charging but fail to transfer data or connect to iTunes. If a different cable works, your original cable is damaged and should be replaced.

Preparing Your iPhone Before You Update

Back up your iPhone before updating. Open iCloud Settings on your phone, tap your name at the top, select "iCloud," and turn on "iCloud Backup." Then go back and tap "iCloud Backup" again, then "Back Up Now." This creates a copy of your data on Apple's servers in case the update fails.

You can also back up to your PC. In iTunes or Finder, click your iPhone's name, scroll to the "Backups" section, and click "Back Up Now." This stores a copy of your phone's data on your computer. Either backup method protects your photos, messages, settings, and apps.

Make sure your iPhone has at least 50 percent battery before you start the update. Plug it into power if the battery is low — do not rely on the USB connection to your computer to charge it, as the update process uses a lot of power. If your iPhone runs out of battery during the update, you may need to restore it using recovery mode, which takes longer and can cause data loss.

Troubleshooting a Stalled or Failed Update

If the update stops or fails partway through, disconnect your iPhone and restart both your phone and your computer. Plug your iPhone back in and try the update again. Most stalled updates resume successfully on the second attempt.

If the update fails a second time, your USB cable may be unstable. Try a different cable and attempt the update once more. If it fails again, your iPhone may need to be restored using recovery mode. In iTunes or Finder, click your iPhone's name, hold down Shift (on Windows), and click "Restore." This erases your phone and reinstalls the operating system from scratch. You can then restore your data from the backup you created before updating.

If you see an error code during the update, write down the number and search Apple's support website for that specific code. Different error codes point to different problems — some are cable issues, some are security software blocking the connection, and some are problems with your Apple ID. The error code will tell you which one you are dealing with.

When to Update Over Wi-Fi Instead

You can also update your iPhone over Wi-Fi without connecting to a PC. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap "General," then "Software Update," and tap "read and Install." This method is slower than updating through a PC, but it works if your USB cable is broken or your computer is not available.

Wi-Fi updates take longer because your iPhone downloads the entire update file over the internet, whereas a PC update downloads the file to your computer first and then transfers it to your phone at USB speeds. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, updating through a PC is faster and more reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use a PC to update my iPhone?

No. You can update your iPhone over Wi-Fi by going to Settings, tapping General, then Software Update, and selecting read and Install. A PC update is faster if your internet is slow, but Wi-Fi updates work fine if your cable is broken or your computer is unavailable.

Will updating my iPhone erase my data?

No. A normal update keeps all your photos, messages, apps, and settings. Your data is only erased if the update fails and you have to restore your iPhone using recovery mode. That is why backing up before you update is important — if something goes wrong, you can restore from your backup.

How long does an iPhone update take?

Most updates take 15 to 45 minutes from start to finish. The time depends on the update size, your internet speed, and how many times your iPhone restarts. Larger updates and slower internet connections take longer. Do not unplug your phone or close iTunes or Finder until the process finishes.

Can I use my iPhone while it is updating?

No. Your iPhone will be unusable during the update — the screen will go black or show the Apple logo while it installs. Do not try to use your phone or disconnect it from your computer. The update must run without interruption.

What if I see a trust prompt when I plug in my iPhone?

Your iPhone is asking whether to trust your computer. Tap "Trust" on your iPhone screen, then enter your passcode. This allows iTunes or Finder to communicate with your phone. If you do not tap Trust, your computer cannot see your iPhone and the update will not start.

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.