restore iPad now that iTunes is gone

iTunes as a service was re-branded some time ago as Apple Music. At the same time, the related Apps on Apple devices were similarly renamed.

iTunes as an App remained with Mac until its functionality was subsumed into Finder and the new Music App - at which time references to iTunes disappeared.

For Windows PC, the iTunes for Windows application is very much still alive and kicking - although the current/supported version of iTunes, required for newer models of iPad, requires Windows 10/11.  

In addition to backup and restore capabilities, iTunes for Windows provides multiple services - such as providing synchronisation functions for connected Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, iPod) and access to the Apple Music services, media and associated subscriptions from the PC - and can be used to activate devices where the device itself is unable to connect with Apple's Activation Servers.

In summary, the current version of iTunes for Windows requires Windows 10/11. iTunes for Windows is installed from the Microsoft App Store.

If instead you are using a Mac, you will use Finder.

Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with your Mac - Apple Support

These support pages outline the available methods to restore an iPad - either from a backup, or to Factory Settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch from a backup – Apple Support

Restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support

Restore all content to iPad from a backup - Apple Support

If you are restoring from a Windows computer, you still use iTunes. That is also true of Macs running macOS versions before Catalina.

If you have a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you use Finder instead of iTunes. See the instructions in the computer section of Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support