About iTunes for Windows background processes
iTunes for Windows installs some processes that run in the background when the software is open. Learn more about what each process does.
Process | What it does |
|---|---|
AppleMobileBackup.exe | Backs up the data on your iPhone or iPod touch |
AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe | Listens for commands to help iTunes communicate with devices |
AppleMobileDeviceService.exe or AppleMobileDeviceProcess.exe | Allows iTunes to recognize iPhone and iPod touch |
AppleMobileSync.exe | Synchronizes iPhone or iPod touch data with your computer |
distnoted.exe | Allows iTunes to sync with iPhone and iPod touch |
iPodService.exe | Allows iTunes to access devices |
iTunesHelper.exe | Listens for commands to help iTunes communicate with devices (such as iPod) |
MDCrashReportTool.exe | Extracts log reports from the device and submits them to Apple (if selected) |
mDNSResponder.exe | This lets iTunes discover services on the local network (music sharing, Apple TV, AirTunes). It's also known as Bonjour for Windows. |
SyncServer.exe | Coordinates the synchronization processes |
Process that depends on Sync configuration | What it does |
com.apple.IE.client.exe | Syncs the device with Internet Explorer |
com.apple.Outlook.client.exe | Syncs the device with Outlook |
com.apple.Safari.client.exe | Syncs the device with Safari |
com.apple.WindowsContacts.client.exe | Syncs the device with Windows Address Book / Windows Contacts |
com.apple.WindowsMail.client.exe | Syncs with Windows Mail |
Depending on your setup, some of these background processes might not appear. iTunes can start other background processes to perform various tasks like syncing and diagnostics. New functions might be added to these background processes in the future. You shouldn't disable these processes even when iTunes isn't open on the computer.
Learn more
To make sure that your Windows computer has access to Apple services, learn about using Apple products on enterprise networks and TCP and UDP ports used by Apple software products.
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