📱 How to Update iOS via iTunes on Windows: A Complete Guide
Keeping your iPhone or iPad updated ensures you enjoy the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements. While most people use OTA (Over-The-Air) updates directly from their devices, updating via iTunes on Windows can sometimes be more reliable...
Keeping your iPhone or iPad updated ensures you enjoy the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements. While most people use OTA (Over-The-Air) updates directly from their devices, updating via iTunes on Windows can sometimes be more reliable—especially when storage space is limited, your internet is unstable, or the device refuses to update normally.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through updating iOS using iTunes on Windows.
🔹 Why Update iOS Through iTunes?
Updating your iPhone or iPad via iTunes comes with several benefits:
- Bypasses storage limitations on your device.
- Can fix failed OTA updates.
- Downloads and installs the full firmware package (not just a delta update).
- Ensures a cleaner, more stable installation.
🖥️ What You Need Before Starting
- A Windows PC with the latest version of iTunes installed.
- A USB cable to connect your iPhone or iPad.
- At least 50% battery charge on your device (or keep it plugged into power).
- Stable internet connection for downloading the update.
- Optional but recommended: Backup your device.
📥 Step 1: Install or Update iTunes
- Download iTunes from Apple’s official site or the Microsoft Store.
- Launch iTunes.
- Go to Help → Check for Updates to make sure you’re on the latest version.
đź”— Step 2: Connect Your iPhone or iPad
- Use your USB cable to connect your device to the Windows PC.
- Unlock your iPhone/iPad and select Trust This Computer if prompted.
đź“‚ Step 3: Locate Your Device in iTunes
- In iTunes, click the small device icon in the top-left corner.
- You’ll now see your device’s summary page.
⚡ Step 4: Check for Updates
- In the Summary tab, click Check for Update.
- If an update is available, a pop-up will appear.
📲 Step 5: Download and Install the Update
- Click Download and Update.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Keep your device connected throughout the process.
🔄 Step 6: Wait for Restart
- Once the update is complete, your device will restart automatically.
- Unlock it, and you’ll be running the latest version of iOS.
đź’ľ Bonus: Manually Install iOS via IPSW
If iTunes fails to fetch the update automatically, you can manually download the iOS IPSW file and install it:
- Download the correct IPSW for your device from a trusted source like ipsw.me.
- In iTunes, hold Shift + Click on Update.
- Select the downloaded IPSW file.
- iTunes will install it on your device.
🛡️ Pro Tips
- Always backup first! Use iTunes to back up your data before updating.
- If you encounter errors, try switching USB cables or ports.
- Sometimes, performing a Restore iPhone (erases everything and reinstalls iOS) can fix stubborn issues.
âś… Final Thoughts
Updating your iPhone or iPad through iTunes on Windows is straightforward and often more reliable than using OTA updates. Whether you’re fixing a failed update or simply prefer managing your device via your PC, iTunes provides a safe and effective way to keep your device up to date.
Stay current, stay secure, and enjoy the latest iOS features! 🚀