Normally, the latest version of iTunes needs to be installed, because that will install the drivers required for Windows to see the iPhone as a modem and use it to bridge a connection to the internet. But this is not exactly true, here´s how to install only the required components.
Simple steps:
- Download the latest iTunes for windows, do not install it
- Using 7Zip, extract the contents of the itunes install executable
- Install AppleApplicationSupport.msi (just double-click it and wait)
- Do the same for AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi, but don’t change the install directory
And that’s it, all the required components are installed and you can use your iPhone as a USB modem without having to waste space installing iTunes.