Two Mobilsync Backup Folders (Windows 10)

Question

Level 1

28 points

Two Mobilsync Backup Folders (Windows 10)

I noticed my internal HD was running out of space. I checked with TreeSize and found I have two MobileSync folders of about the same size (30 GB). One is located here:

C:\Users\<ME>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

And the other is located here:

C:\Users\<ME>\Apple\MobileSync\Backup

I read that the first location above is the normal location so I deleted the other file and resynced. Two hours later, the second file reappeared again.

Looks like I have a backup of a backup. Its really odd because I only recently installed iTunes on this machine and backed up my iPhone for the first time.

I'd rather not have two copies together occupying 60 GB of space on my limited capacity drive. Any clues as to what is going on?

iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 15, 2019 4:55 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

278,193 points

Apr 15, 2019 10:03 AM in response to pblPsych

The first location is used if iTunes is installed using the traditional iTunes(64)Setup.exe file downloaded from apple.com. The second if iTunes is installed from the Microsoft Store. Only one will be active and you can potentially delete the other and/or any outdated backups you no longer need to rely on.

See also Relocate iOS device backups for a way to move the backup data to a different drive if required. Review the rest of the Make a split library portable user tip for advice on organizing the library on external storage.

tt2

Reply

Answer 2

pblPsych Author

Level 1

28 points

Apr 15, 2019 4:22 PM in response to turingtest2

Thank you. This makes sense. There seemed to be a problem with the installation from apple.com, so I did reinstall from the Microsoft store, thinking it would simply overwrite the original files. I’ll try renaming then deleting the former backup file.

Thanks for the additional links. Very helpful.

pbl

Reply

Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,193 points

Apr 15, 2019 5:55 PM in response to pblPsych

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

Reply

Two Mobilsync Backup Folders (Windows 10)

Similar questions