I initially removed the symlinked directory (target) while clearing up files, and iTunes flat-out refused to do another backup. I created another folder and another symlink, restarted Windows, uninstalled iTunes, reinstalled iTunes - nothing worked. As soon as I restored the old physical target folder, it worked. Now I have no idea how to change the folder - has anyone experienced this?
iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 16
I don't think iTunes knows anything about symbolic links. It only has the ability to use a fixed path, which is why a symlink is needed to redirect the data to another folder. Try the following in a command prompt:
dir /AL /S c:\
which should list all of your symlinks. Note that there are two potential source folders that iTunes writes backups to, one for the standalone installer, and one for the Microsoft Store version. Perhaps you created links at both locations, but are now only considering one?
tt2
For the symlink to work there has to be a destination folder. If you want to change the target folder location delete the link, then create a new one with a new target folder. See Relocate iOS device backups for details. Review the rest of the Make a split library portable user tip for advice on organizing the library on external/secondary storage.
tt2
I did exactly that - right now the old destination folder is still being used to store the backups, despite the symlink folder pointing to a difference folder. I have even removed the symlink _entirely_ and it still happily uses the old folder. The logical conclusion is that iTunes has cached the old symlink target folder, but I don’t know how to change it
I didn’t know that the backup folders are different - that was the problem! Thanks, mate!
You're welcome. 🙂
tt2
Can't move iTunes backup folder symlink on Windows?