Windows 11 Stopped Recognizing iPhone 12 Pro (Unusual Case)

I got a new Windows 11 Pro laptop last November. I installed the Microsoft Store version of iTunes and had been able to back up all my various iOS devices for several months without any problems — until September.

Around September 1st, my laptop would no longer recognize my iPhone 12 Pro. It does not show up in either Windows Explorer or iTunes (more details and screenshots at bottom of post). However, the laptop still DOES recognize all the other iOS devices in my family (including three other iPhone 12’s and some iPads).

Oddly, my older Windows 10 Pro desktop computer DOES still recognize my iPhone 12. It shows up in both Windows Explorer and iTunes.

So, the problem happens only for one combination of devices — this particular iOS device (my iPhone) on this particular computer (my laptop).

I have already tried all the standard troubleshooting steps listed on Apple’s support pages as well as suggestions from many third-party sites.

Also, I just spent a couple of hours on the phone with Apple support agents. We went through the same standard troubleshooting steps and also checked a bunch of settings on the phone. The only remaining steps I haven’t tried yet (b/c they’d be disruptive) are switching from the Microsoft Store version of iTunes to the traditionally installed version and factory resetting my phone.

My problem seems to be unique. The support agents have not seen this exact pattern; nor have I been able to find anything about it on the web. Support suggested I post here in case any other users have experienced this.

I’m wondering if anyone else has seen my exact problem — please see the descriptions and screenshots below before replying.

Happy State - iPad Plugged Into My Laptop

It shows up in Windows Explorer.

The iPad shows up in Device Manager under Portable Devices, and the Apple Mobile Device drivers appear under Universal Serial Bus Devices.

Note: Apple Mobile Device Service does NOT appear in the Services control panel, but my understanding is that the Microsoft Store version of iTunes does not install that service. And everything is working fine without it (with all my other iOS devices and previously with my iPhone).

My iPad shows up in iTunes.

Sad State - iPhone 12 Pro Plugged into My Laptop

• Plug in my iPhone.
• Windows 11 plays a USB connection chime.
• The iPhone does NOT show up in Windows Explorer (or iTunes).
• The iPhone does NOT show up in Device Manager.
• The Apple Mobile Device drivers do NOT show up in Device Manager.

• When I unplug my iPhone 12, I hear a USB disconnection chime.

So, Windows recognizes a USB device but either something in Windows software or Apple drivers (or something on the phone) is going wrong.

Notes:

• We have ruled out VPN (on both the computer and the phone).
• We have ruled out hardware issues since my Phone still works correctly on my old computer and since other devices still work correctly on my newer laptop.
• I have tried different cords, ports, etc.