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Hunter Ryskoski
Hunter Ryskoski

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How to Recover an Apple iPad (10th Generation) Using a Windows PC

#ios #microsoft #mobile #tutorial

In enterprise and managed environments, iPads occasionally become unresponsive, fail enrollment, or refuse to boot properly.

When standard troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, a full device recovery may be required.

Below is the step-by-step process I use to recover an Apple iPad (10th Generation) using a Windows PC.

When to Use This

This should be considered a last resort when:

  • The iPad is stuck during setup
  • MDM enrollment fails and cannot be corrected
  • The device is unresponsive
  • A normal reset does not work

Note: This process will fully erase the device.

Step 1 – Install Apple Devices App

On your Windows computer:

  • Install the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store.

This replaces the older iTunes workflow for device recovery.

Step 2 – Power Off the iPad

Ensure the iPad is completely powered down before proceeding.

Step 3 – Connect USB to Computer

Plug a USB cable into your computer.

Do not connect it to the iPad yet.

Step 4 – Enter Recovery Mode

This step is important.

  1. While holding the Power button on the iPad,
  2. Connect the USB cable to the iPad at the same time.
  3. Continue holding the Power button.

You will see:

  • The Apple logo briefly appear.
  • Keep holding the button.
  • The screen will change to the Recovery Mode screen (computer + cable icon).

Step 5 – Choose Restore in Apple Devices

On your computer, the Apple Devices app will detect the iPad in recovery mode.

You will see a prompt indicating the device needs to be updated or restored.

Select:

Restore

Step 6 – Select “Restore and Update”

You will then see a confirmation dialog.

Select:

Restore and Update

This will:

  • Erase the iPad
  • Install the latest iPadOS version
  • Prepare the device for fresh setup

Step 7 – Allow the Recovery Process to Complete

The recovery process will begin.

You will see a loading screen indicating:

Preparing iPad for restore…

Do not disconnect the device during this process.

After Recovery

Once complete:

  • The iPad will reboot.
  • You can proceed with standard setup.
  • If the device is assigned in Apple Business Manager and managed via Microsoft Intune, it will automatically re-enroll during setup.

Enterprise Environment Note

If this device is part of a managed environment:

  • Confirm the device record in Intune is not in a failed or pending wipe state.
  • Verify proper assignment in Apple Business Manager.
  • Allow adequate time for MDM enrollment during setup.

Recovery mode is often the fastest and cleanest method to resolve enrollment or configuration issues in enterprise deployments.

Hunter Ryskoski

Systems Administrator

Website: https://hunterryskoski.com

GitHub: https://github.com/HunterRyskoski

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-ryskoski-772a81170/

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