AltTunes vs ISL Light: Which Tool Works Best for iPhone Management on Windows?


"I tried using ISL Light to access my iPhone photos on my Windows PC, but quickly discovered it's only for screen sharing, not file transfers. Switched to AltTunes and had all my vacation photos saved to my computer in minutes."
– Caroline, Travel Enthusiast
This limitation frustrates Windows users who need actual file access from their iPhone. While ISL Light focuses on remote troubleshooting, it completely lacks file transfer capabilities.
AltTunes vs ISL Light: iPhone Access Comparison
Feature | ISL Light | AltTunes |
---|---|---|
File Transfer | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Complete transfer capabilities |
Photo Access | ❌ View only | ✅ Full photo library transfer |
Backup Creation | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Create complete iPhone backups |
Message Export | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Save message history to PC |
User Focus | ⚠️ IT support teams | ✅ Designed for everyday users |
Setup Complexity | ⚠️ Complex configuration | ✅ Simple, instant setup |
How to Use AltTunes for iPhone File Access

- Download and install: Get AltTunes from Softorino's website
- Connect your iPhone: Use your standard USB cable
- Access any content: Browse photos, videos, messages, and more
- Save to PC: Transfer files to any folder with simple drag and drop

Graphic designer Paul M. needed to access design files from his iPhone. ISL Light could only display his screen, while AltTunes allowed him to transfer the actual files to his PC for immediate use.
Why ISL Light Isn't Designed for Personal iPhone Management

IT Support Focus vs. Personal Use
"ISL Light is built for professional IT support situations," explains technology analyst Sarah K. "It's designed to let technicians view screens remotely, not to help everyday users access their own files. It's solving a completely different problem than what most people need."
Excessive Complexity for Basic Needs
ISL Light requires:
Account setup and configurations
User permissions and security settings
Remote connection setup
Installation on both devices
Complex interface designed for professionals
When ISL Light Might Be Appropriate
Despite its limitations for personal file access, ISL Light might be suitable when:
You're providing remote IT support to iPhone users
You need to troubleshoot iPhone issues remotely
You're a support professional, not a typical iPhone owner
Conclusion
ISL Light serves a specific purpose in remote IT support but completely lacks the file transfer capabilities most Windows users need when connecting their iPhone. AltTunes fills this gap by focusing on practical file access for personal use.
For Windows users who need to transfer photos, messages, and other content from their iPhone, AltTunes delivers functionality that ISL Light wasn't designed to provide.
FAQs
How to transfer photos from iPhone to PC without iTunes?
AltTunes provides a simple drag-and-drop interface for transferring photos from iPhone to Windows PC. Unlike ISL Light, which only allows screen viewing, AltTunes gives you access to the actual photo files.
Can I backup iPhone text messages to Windows computer?
Yes, AltTunes allows you to export your entire iMessage and SMS history to your Windows PC. ISL Light provides no message backup capabilities whatsoever.
What's the easiest way to download photos from iPhone to Windows?
AltTunes offers the simplest method—connect your iPhone, select photos, and drag them to any folder on your Windows PC. It's significantly easier than screen sharing tools like ISL Light that don't support file transfers.
How to access iPhone files on Windows without iCloud?
AltTunes gives you direct access to iPhone files via USB connection without iCloud. ISL Light only provides screen viewing without any file access capabilities.
Is there an app to transfer files from iPhone to PC directly?
Yes, AltTunes is specifically designed to transfer files directly from iPhone to Windows PC via USB cable. Unlike remote viewing tools like ISL Light, it focuses on actual file transfers, not just screen sharing.