How to resolve iPhone USB tethering issue with PC's ARM processor?

mukuwood wrote:

Final response from Apple and Microsoft

Microsoft

"It works on Intel-based machines, so it may be a compatibility issue with ARM processors. There is nothing more we can do. Please contact Apple."

Apple

"The same iPhone and cable will work on other PCs, so there is nothing more we can do. Please contact Microsoft."

I wonder if Apple's applications for Windows – iTunes for Windows, Apple Devices – are Intel-only, and depend on Intel-only drivers. Like macOS for Apple Silicon, Windows for ARM can run some Intel-only applications, but can't run Intel-only system code.

Microsoft Support – Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ

"Drivers for hardware, games, and apps only work if they're designed for a Windows 11 Arm-based PC. For more info, check with the hardware manufacturer or the organization that developed the driver. Drivers are software programs that communicate with hardware devices—they're commonly used for antivirus and antimalware software, printing or PDF software, assistive technologies, CD and DVD utilities, and virtualization software.

If a driver doesn't work, the app or hardware that relies on it doesn't work either (at least not fully). Peripherals and devices only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows 11, or if the hardware developer has released Arm64 drivers for the device."

That would explain Microsoft pointing the finger at Apple, and IF this is the cause, only Apple could fix it (by putting out Windows/ARM versions of their code).

You could raise the possibility with Apple, and ask them if this is the issue – although I'm not sure whether the first-level Support people would understand what you were asking unless you explained it very clearly. (Even then, they might need to check with other people in Apple in order to give you a clear answer.)

It is most certainly a driver problem. x64 software can be emulated to ARM64, but this is not the case for hardware. There is no hardware emulation for drivers and Apple would have to re-compile the proprietary source code in ARM64. It’s a question for Apple engineers, but I know that Microsoft Developer’s Kit made re-compiling to ARM much easier in fall ‘24. This would be very useful, as there are currently no USB wifi dongles creators that have compiled drivers for their devices in ARM64 as of June ‘25 and for Apple phone owners with Windows on Arm that don’t have on board WiFi can only use Android for WiFi tethering at the moment.

Perhaps a long shot:

Do you have a 3rd party VPN installed on any of the affected devices, even if you are not using it? If so, delete the VPN profile in Settings/General/VPN & Device Management/VPN. Don't just turn it off; delete the profile. If that fixes it, you can try reinstalling VPN. 

Also, why don’t you use Wi-Fi hotspot tethering?

Have you found a solution?

After a decade, I finally purchased a new mobile (Iphone 16 Pro with IOS 18.5) and a new laptop (Microsoft 2025).

I'm now in a similar predicament and situation to the one mentioned above.

I can connect via Wifi and when I plug the mobile in to the PC, it functions in Itunes and the PC recognises it, therefore I am using a data cable.

On my old Iphone 8+ plus, it previously used a lightening cable to connect directly to the PC. Windows 10 and 11 on surface pro 5,6 and 7 Tablets/PCs labelled that, an "ethernet connection" even though there was no physical Ethernet cable.

When I connected the 8+ to a Windows PC and enabled the Personal Hotspot, the old iPhone shared its cellular/mobile data internet connection over USB.

Why this matters?

It is vital for those of us who are living in areas with poor quality Wifi and no NBN.

On the old tech, Windows use to recognise that USB tethering connection as a "virtual Ethernet network adapter" This is why in Network Connections or Device Manager, it appeared as an Ethernet connection (often named something like "Apple Mobile Device Ethernet"). Again, the virtual Ethernet adapter, is not a physical Ethernet port but a software-based network interface created by the iPhone and Windows to route internet traffic over a USB connection.

The old tech labeled the iPhone USB tethering connection as Ethernet because Windows treated the USB tethering as a network interface similar to that of a wired Ethernet adapter.

What it meant for the end users?

Well they managed to gain access to stable internet on their PCs via their mobiles. It also helped to reduce some hacking risks. Some users DO essentially NEED to use cable connections, whereas other users simply prefer to choose to use cables over that of Wifi and Bluetooth.

The same principle applies when using USB-C on newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later), where the iPhone can share internet over USB-C, and Windows will similarly show the connection as an Ethernet adapter. In theory, but it is not happening in practice. Unhappy Grumpy Face.

It does appear to be failing for some reason when a cable is introduced and used for IOS 18 and 18.5 with Windows 11.

The 2 new devices that I have just purchased clearly do function together, because they can tether and connect via wifi and bluetooth (when I'm in a location with a strong wifi signal). However, even during those times the connection still fails when using a cable between the 2 devices.

As others note, Windows 11 on ARM64 devices may have trouble with Apple’s USB tethering drivers, which are primarily designed for x86/x64 architectures. This can prevent the iPhone from being recognised as a network device over USB.

The outcome, NO virtual Ethernet adapter appears in Windows Network Connections. The iPhone shows up in Device Manager under Portable Devices but not as a network adapter.

I've tried many of the help suggestions mentioned online, and I've spoken with Microsoft support several times. So far NO resolution.

I've also gone to my Telco provider and they too were overwhelming useless across 2 bricks and mortar stores.

Furthermore, I've actively tired a lot of options before coming here to seek help, finding your thread, and composing this post.

So far, I have to express this is all very disappointing!

Functional mobile and PC internet connectivity is far from a designer luxury request, rather it is a necessity for many end users.

What can Apple & Microsoft do to resolve the problem?

As an average tech user myself, I have to state this situation has indeed had me attempting some serious blackbelt 1st dan level user steps and processes.

But what I know with certainty, I've invested enormously for me economically for these 2 much needed tech items, the Iphone costing more than the PC.

Therefore the tech needs to be able to effectively perform, a very basic task, when an end user plugs a USB C data cord between 2 devices. A simple task, that was previously once a seamless process that the old tech performed quite effectively in an efficient manner.

Now I comprehend, end users both like and appreciate everything more favorably, when things are user friendly!

Apple and Microsoft could both take several concrete steps to address and fix the USB tethering issue between iPhones (like the iPhone 16 Pro) and IOS 18 and Windows 11 PCs.

When will that happen?

For various reasons I greatly dislike having to post the following. However, as users we are constantly encouraged to move with the times, SO

According to AI ...

"1. Improve and Update Apple Device Driver Support in Windows

*Microsoft should ensure that the Apple Mobile Device USB drivers required for iPhone USB tethering are fully compatible and reliably installed on Windows 11, including ARM-based Surface devices.

This could involve bundling updated Apple drivers or collaborating with Apple to provide native driver support through Windows Update or the Microsoft Store (e.g., the Apple Devices app mentioned in).

* Improved driver installation and automatic recognition of the iPhone as a network device would prevent the tethering interface from failing to appear in Device Manager or Network Connections.

* Apple could Provide Direct Driver Downloads Apple could offer standalone driver packages for download from their website, specifically for ARM64 Windows, so users can manually install the required drivers without needing to install iTunes or other software.

* Apple’s current drivers for USB tethering and the Apple Mobile Device Service are optimized for x86/x64 (Intel/AMD) Windows PCs and do not fully support ARM64 architecture. Apple could recompile or rewrite their Windows drivers specifically for ARM64, allowing iPhones to function as network devices on ARM-based Windows machines. 

2. Enhance Windows Network Stack to Better Recognise iPhone Tethering

* Microsoft can optimize Windows 11’s networking stack to better detect and handle iPhone USB tethering connections, ensuring the virtual Ethernet adapter appears promptly and reliably.

* This includes handling the “Apple Mobile Device Ethernet” interface correctly and avoiding conflicts with other network adapters or VPN software.

3. Both Organisations Could Improve Providing Clear Troubleshooting and Setup Guidance

* Microsoft’s official support resources and Windows Settings could offer clearer, step-by-step guidance for users to set up iPhone USB tethering, including:

* Integrating troubleshooting wizards in Windows Network & Internet settings to detect and fix tethering issues automatically would improve user experience.

* Apple could likewise also update their support documentation and provide clear troubleshooting steps for users of ARM-based Windows devices, making it easier for both users and support staff to identify

and resolve compatibility issues.

* Support staff and end users are not always IT Geeks and Tech Gurus. Many are simply trying to do their best to keep up with the fast paced changes, automation, and sneaky setting alterations that different organisations constantly roll out. For human end users, this junk is simply a right pain in the behind.   

4. Enhance Compatibility with ARM-based Devices

* For devices running Windows 11 on ARM processors, Microsoft should prioritize driver compatibility and testing for Apple’s USB tethering drivers, since some users report tethering works on Intel-based PCs but not ARM-based.

* Collaborate with Apple to ensure Apple drivers fully support ARM64 Windows architecture.

5. Both Companies Could Facilitate Better Collaboration

* Microsoft and Apple could work together to streamline the tethering experience on Windows, possibly developing a dedicated Apple driver package optimized for Windows 11 that users can easily install or update.

* This would reduce reliance on legacy iTunes installations and deprecated software, as Apple continues to moves away from iTunes.

* Apple could work more closely with Microsoft to ensure that Windows Update or the Microsoft Store can reliably distribute the necessary ARM64 drivers for iPhone tethering, similar to how other hardware manufacturers provide platform-specific drivers. It's not the 1990's and these organisations are no longer direct competitors for the end users.

Apple and Microsoft can fix iPhone USB tethering issues by;

* Updating and bundling compatible Apple device drivers with Windows 11

* Enhancing Windows networking to properly detect and manage iPhone virtual Ethernet adapters.

* Ensuring ARM-based Windows devices fully support Apple tethering drivers.

* Collaborating closely to deliver seamless driver and software support.

The above steps would significantly improve the reliability and ease of using iPhone USB tethering on Windows 11 PCs (and perhaps Win 12 when it finally gets released). Implementing these steps, Apple could help to resolve the current driver incompatibility and enable reliable iPhone USB tethering on Windows on ARM devices".

Just Saying . . .  Could BIG tech please prioritize both addressing and resolving the problematic situation for the end users and consumer. Thank You kindly, in advance :-)            

Send your support feedback to Apple: Product Feedback - Apple

Make sure to indicate this is Windows on Arm, and reference this thread.

"How to resolve iPhone USB tethering issue with PC's ARM processor?: iPhone Cannot Establish a USB Tethering Connection with PC: [...]Now I am stuck in a loop between Apple and Microsoft. I am looking for other steps I can try and possible causes I may have missed."

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iPhone USB Tethering on a PC:

Put a post on Microsoft's forums and see if you get anything there. Reply back with your thread. Go here: https://answers.microsoft.com/

Regarding unstable power: get UPSes for all of your gear. My house has them for my fiber ONT, router, clock radio (we live in the past), USB dock, TiVo, desktop computers. They aren’t that expensive any more even for good quality ones.

Thank you for your suggestion with the shared accompanying link, appreciated.

Living in a 30 year old high-rise in the Sydney Metro Basin when my neighbours use their microwaves or other home appliances/devices, stuff often interferes with the surrounding Wifi reception. Since the end of 3G things have become progressively worse. When I upgraded the mobile, I was hoping the 5G would obtain better quality reception but most days I only appear to have 2 bars showing.

It is not practical today to have internet connectivity constantly dropping out when in TEAMS meetings and with all the cloud based apps and software. A wired connection is often the only possible way around the problematic circumstances. Even when I'm using a mobile broadband external dongle at home, I still need to plug it into the PC via a cable to ensure I can obtain a stable connection.

Do BIG tech organisations realise just how challenging their innovations are making the situation for end users today?

Many users cannot rely on Bluetooth and Wifi, some require cable connection.

In my situation, I have lived without a TV for the past 4 years as a result of a combination of poor Wifi, and also due to the a lack of stable power supply within my building today. Our local power grid cannot support the current exponential population increases. The area experiences blackouts, and the power quality is no longer stable or strong and seems to destroy household appliances like TV's, toasters, heaters etc.

Third world countries have better Wifi connectivity today than Sydney Australia today.

How old is your Wi-Fi gear? Older gear tends to do worse with congestion.

Some of the places I deal with also have unstable power, and the more important gear is connected via battery.

And this doesn’t seem particularly related to Windows on Arm.

The Jacarandas around Sydney are quite pretty, but that’s some months ahead.

AI is a too often a means for generating copious text, and that text far too often containing errors. Slop. Or worse. And this text does contain errors. But I’m done here, and do wish y’all well with your Windows Arm issues.

Unsure regarding the age and condition of WiFi equipment and infrastructure, whether this is specific to local region, the State of NSW, or applies nationally.

I'm not to proud to admit that I'm a tad out of my depth and domain with tech, partly why I hadn't choose to personally upgrade devices in such a long time. I don't buy into the BS and marketing. I'd had my Iphone 8+ for over a decade and I'd only moved to that after the local telco ended Blackberry use, and I do still miss my old reliable Blackberry. I'm an Ipod classic girl, and a wired headphone woman. When I'm not in the Sydney Metro Basin then I'm out bush (in the Aussie outback) and regions retaining ZERO reception and services. Its during those times which I still rely on the trusty Ipod Classic, likewise when I workout in town. I don't need nor do I want mobile social media, super cameras, and genuinely don't appreciate having my personal privacy invaded while sweating in certain places.

While age is but a number and shouldn't be a factor for consideration, I'm under 45 and I've got to express I'm tired of annoying updates every time I hit a power button on devices, I don't like saving passwords automatically, and I refuse to surrender my individual sensitive biometrics data to anyone else without a court order to do so.

I simply need, tech to function effectively in user friendly ways when I go to use it.

From my perspective, I've just spent thousands on upgrading tech that fails to plug in and perform the basic task. It is ridiculous!

The majority of the world's global population aren't multi-millionaires or IT wizards, tech costs a lot, and is often far too complex to engage with today.

Both Job's and Gates taught users how to use the tech they sold as it advanced, but that vision does not appear to exist anymore within either organisation. It seems, today it is merely about creating as many different useless devices as possible to market regardless of functionality.

Why do I now need to download yet another APP to have my personalised ringtones in a new iphone? That seems unnecessary.

Why are old PC's that are long deceased, scraped and gone, which never had an Icloud account suddenly re-appearing and YET not able to be deauthorized via Itunes? Got to search a thread on that, added to the To Do list.

Why does the NEW Microsoft Outlook not now have both the Read A Loud and Dictate Accessibility features anymore?

I'm stuck using Outlook Classic purely because the "new" and supposedly "improved" version fail to cater for the needs of people with disabilities who NEED these Assistive Technology functions.

Consumer home users, or even those running SMEs, basically need to be able to purchase a new device, set them up swiftly, and be able to get back to their business or activities as usual.

SME's might be able to tax deduct expert IT assistance them with the set up process. However, many home users simply cannot fiscally afford that sort of professional help after purchasing their new devices.

Why have processes all become so complex and frustrating when this TECH was meant to make our lives simpler, easier, and cloud based software was supposed to facilitate a much smoother transition for upgrades?

One doesn't get much spare time to fully enjoy the jacarandas when one is inadvertently forced to search endless online sources in order to fix pesky tech scenarios. Giggles ;-)

In no particular order…

Buying Windows on Arm seems to have been an issue here. As one option, sell it, and get Windows on x86, or maybe simplify your IT and your reported app accessibility issues somewhat and get a Mac. And do log feedback around Apple apps support on Windows on Arm, as was suggested.

For questions about a Microsoft Windows and Windows apps, check with a Microsoft.

I’m unfamiliar with ringtones issues, as the local ringtones migrated, and GarageBand-generated ringtones have worked. As have other sources of MP3 files.

iPhone 14 and later have satellite communications capabilities, and can also work offline with local media (books, audio, music, etc) up to the local storage limits. This when connectivity is limited.

iPhone 8 Plus has known security issues.

For your local Wi-Fi issues, check your local gear, or check with whoever is running the local Wi-Fi gear. That might also involve adding battery power supplies, with your own gear, and an unstable power grid.

SMEs and such usually either develop in-house IT, or hire IT, or a combination. And also tend to consolidate onto fewer platforms and versions and vendors, where feasible.

Biometrics are stored in the Secure Enclave, and are not easily exportable: Biometric security - Apple Support

As a basic Tech consumer user when I purchased the new devices, I didn't even know anything about Arm.

Talk about security issues, then here's one then for Apple and you.

Today I received a Meta email notification on the new Iphone 16 Pro.

I don't use LameBook, the account was set up for me back in 2022 for a particular professional affiliation because apparently a human doesn't legitimately exist today if they don't retain these sorts of digital accounts (at least that what I was advised at the time).

Well today I receive an email with the message that some contact has "shared a link". Usually, I just delete all those email notifications. But as I've been setting up the new Iphone 16 Pro manually entering in ALL my contact details when the email came through I decided to click on the link, thinking that it may lead me to an interesting article or information online. Low and behold, what do you know? Unimpressed Look.

The new Iphone automatically logged me into this personal LameBook via safari without ever even prompting me for my email and password. How has that occurred?

Now I've never even used LameBook on either of the new devices and I've also, never ever had an FB/Meta App either on any of my previous devices before.

I certainly have not consented to my email or password being stored anywhere in web browsers or Apps.

The half dozen odd times where I had to login and add information to the FB profile was completed online via a web browser.

I don't like anything to be automatically logged in, and I always clean out web browser content after each use.

I'm not even logged into my Apple account on the new Iphone 16 Pro.

So, how exactly has safari via the new Iphone 16 Pro managed to log me into the Meta account automatically and also then show everyone else in the world that I'm supposedly also online?

If that is not bad enough.

Additionally, ALL my location settings on the new Iphone are set to OFF, same with the Find Me App and options.

However, after this automatic login occurred, Meta then sent 2 follow up emails stating someone just logged into my account in the Sydney location. CREEPY MUCH.

Nothing is secure when it is online.

To me, Biometrics are like DNA, they belong to the individual. My personal information and ownership of it belongs to me.

What BIG TECH and governments habitually fail to accept is that for some individuals, surrendering one's personal biometrics is almost as invasive as having to undergo an autopsy!

Other's can freely disagree with my sentiments, but I don't want other unknown people ferreting around my stomach contents once I'm gone, and that's precisely how I think and feel about my biometrics. While I'm still very much alive then no one else genuinely legitimately requires access to that personal intimate information and physiological data.