What is the file location on Windows for my iCloud Backup

[u/vanilla_chipcookie]

I want to move my iPhone backup to a external drive. I found the folder called 00008110-000C5D2E02C1401E in my Backup folder and plan on moving it to my external drive. If I move it back to the Backup folder via this pathway (C:\Users\username\Apple\MobileSync\Backup) will my Backup show up in the "Apple Devices" app?

[u/JediMeister]

Are you trying to archive the backup, or have the backup live on the external from now until you decide otherwise? If the latter you need to use symbolic links to do this. Also the answer may depend on whether the backup was made with iTunes or with Apple Devices.

[u/vanilla_chipcookie → u/JediMeister]

For starters the backup (and future backups that I plan on making) will be made through Apple Devices.

Secondly, I need it to be on an external drive because that’s the only spare drive I have laying around that I can use for anything large like this. I also need to create multiple backups for multiple phones and my OS drive doesn’t have the space to hold all the backups

Lastly, I shortly plan on using these backups because I need to reset these phones to SIM unlock them

For my use case would I still need the symbolic links and would using the ITunes method over Apple Devices be better?

[u/JediMeister → u/vanilla_chipcookie]

Yes you need to use symbolic links, because copying them back onto the C drive and back over is madness. In theory (meaning I have not tested myself) backups made with iTunes are supposed to be compatible with Apple Devices, but I don’t know if the reverse is true. These backups should be encrypted as well so they include your passwords for various services.

[u/vanilla_chipcookie → u/JediMeister]

So how can I create backups on an external drive and then restore from backups because Apple Devices doesn’t let me select the file location where it stores the drive

[u/JediMeister → u/vanilla_chipcookie]

I already explained that you need to use symbolic links. There is no shortage of independent documentation (not by Apple, of course) out there related to how to use it for iOS device backups on Windows. I just do not happen to have one bookmarked to provide at this very moment.

[u/vanilla_chipcookie → u/JediMeister]

Can you give me a suggestion of some steps that I need to take like what directory I need to setup links for

[u/JediMeister → u/vanilla_chipcookie]

This isn’t something I can handhold you through. As I mentioned in my other comment, if you search your preferred web browser for a combination of symbolic links, iPhone backups, and Windows you will find some viable and actionable leads.

[u/vanilla_chipcookie → u/JediMeister]

Also I would like some clarification on whether the ITunes method is still valid for creating backups because I am under the impression that the most updated method is through Apple Devices

[u/JediMeister → u/vanilla_chipcookie]

You can make backups with either piece of software, but as I wrote, I am uncertain whether ones made with iTunes can be used with Apple Devices or vice versa. All Apple seems to make any distinction about here is an additional directory you have to delve into depending on whether you have iTunes from the .exe or from the Microsoft Store.

[u/vanilla_chipcookie → u/JediMeister]

Should I just use ITunes to make my backup instead and come back here for help. Trying to troubleshoot this through Apple Devices is a pain in the ass

[u/JediMeister → u/vanilla_chipcookie]

The application you choose to use in the end is entirely up to you, but either way symbolic links are non-negotiable for what you want to do. I know the mechanism but not the specific implementation.