how can I transfer my iphone text messages to my Windows PC through itunes

Goodwill56,

Thank you for the additional information regarding your device.

What the article was saying is that you need to upload your text messages to iCloud to be able to back them up.

With wanting to make a PDF document of your messages the best way would be to take screenshots of the important ones and put them in a document. There is not a way to access your backup-up text messages and export them into a file.

Cheers.

Hello Goodwill56,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

I understand from your question that you would like to transfer your text messages to your PC. I can certainly help you with this!

There are multiple methods of backing up your device and saving your information. Here is an article explaining the differences between iCloud and iTunes backups- About backups for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Here is an excerpt that may be beneficial:

Backups from your computer

A computer backup of your device, which is not the same as a sync, includes almost all of your device's data and settings. A backup from a computer doesn't include:

Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books

Content synced from Finder or iTunes, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos

Data already stored in iCloud, like iCloud Photos, iMessages, and text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages

Face ID or Touch ID settings

Apple Pay information and settings

Apple Mail data

Activity, Health, and Keychain data (to back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup in iTunes.)

I hope this is able to resolve your issue. If you have any more questions or this does not resolve your issue, please reach back out on the thread!

Cheers.