Restore an iPad or iPhone on a Windows device

The preferred method of erasing an iPad or iPhone is performing an Erase all Content and Settings. If the device cannot get online, or organizational restrictions block the use of the command, this option may not be available. In these circumstances, your next step will likely be restoring the device by connecting it to a computer.

Apple has a few guides on how to restore your device using a Mac:

• Erase iPad
• If you can't update or restore your iPad
• If you forgot your iPhone passcode, use your Mac or PC to reset it

But the process for using a Windows computer is different. As of this writing, Apple Devices for Windows is their recommended app for this process:

• Apple Devices on the Microsoft Store (Windows 10 version 19045.0 or higher, x64 only)
• Restore your Apple device to its factory settings

From the above guide:

1. Connect your Apple device to your Windows computer using a USB or USB-C cable.
2. In the Apple Devices app  on your Windows computer, select the device in the sidebar.

   

3. Select General in the sidebar.

   

4. Select “Restore [device],” then follow the onscreen instructions.

   

Should your PC not be compatible with the Apple Devices app, you can use iTunes for Windows:

• iTunes on the Microsoft Store (Windows 10 version 16299.0 or higher, x86 or x64)
• Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in iTunes on PC

iTunes is Apple's previous-generation application for managing your music and devices in Windows and is compatible with older versions of Windows and 32-bit processors. From the above guide:

1. Connect your device to your computer.You can connect your device using a USB or USB-C cable or a Wi-Fi connection. To turn on Wi-Fi syncing, see Sync iTunes content on PC with devices on Wi-Fi.
2. In the iTunes app  on your PC, click the Device button near the top left of the iTunes window.

   

3. Click Summary.

   

4. Click Restore, then follow the onscreen instructions.

While iTunes is an older application, Apple Music can't be used for this process. This is because Apple has decided to split these features into multiple apps:

• Apple Music for Windows (used to listen to music and manage your library)
• Apple TV for Windows (for video content)
• Apple Devices for Windows (for managing iPhones and iPads)

Download the appropriate app(s) for whatever you want to do with your music, video, or devices for Windows. If you have any questions about erasing or restoring your devices on Windows, feel free to reach out to the Ntiva support desk for assistance.