Users can now take advantage of a significant enhancement in the Microsoft Phone Link app, which allows for up to 90% of desktop screen space to be utilized when streaming Android applications to Windows 11. This new feature, aptly named “Expanded screen,” is now accessible to all users. For those who do not yet see this option, a quick visit to the Microsoft Store for updates may be in order, or it could simply be in the process of rolling out to your account.
Historically, Windows 11’s Phone Link app has enabled Android app streaming for users with compatible hardware. However, the experience was previously limited to a compact view that restricted screen space. The introduction of the “Expanded screen” feature marks a notable shift, allowing Android applications to stretch across the full expanse of the desktop.
Upon attempting to open Android apps via the Phone Link on your PC, a prompt will indicate that these apps can now be viewed in an expanded format. This feature has transitioned from a testing phase with Windows Insiders to a fully available option for all users.
It’s important to note that “Expanded screen” does not introduce a new user interface for the app. Instead, when activated, Phone Link instructs your phone to relaunch the desired Android app in a wider layout, which is then streamed to your PC. Microsoft has advised that some applications may require a restart to switch layouts, and not all apps are compatible with the expanded view. This behavior mirrors the typical Android experience when an app needs to reload for a new screen configuration.
While the feature mimics “tablet-style” behavior, it essentially prompts Android to render larger screen layouts during the streaming process. When an app signals compatibility with wider layouts, Phone Link creates a larger “canvas” for the application to operate within, subsequently mirroring that enhanced view back to Windows.
Interestingly, this feature is described as “almost-full-screen,” as it leaves approximately 10% of the desktop screen space unused. However, there is speculation that Microsoft may find a solution to this limitation, particularly given the open-source nature of Android. That said, some applications, such as WhatsApp, may not perform well in full-screen mode, resulting in a less than optimal viewing experience.
I don’t have the “Apps” screen in the Phone Link app for streaming Android apps to Windows 11
If the “Apps” section is absent from your Phone Link app, it may be due to your device not being among the supported phones. The Apps feature is currently available on select devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi, all of which come with Link to Windows pre-installed.
Microsoft has provided a list of recent compatible devices, including the Galaxy Fold, Note20 5G/Ultra, S22, S23, S24+, as well as models like the HONOR Magic4 Pro and Magic6 series, OnePlus series, OPPO Find and Reno series, Realme series, and certain Xiaomi phones. If your device is running Android 11 or a newer version, you may also be eligible for the multiple apps experience.
In addition to the full-screen streaming capability for Android apps, Microsoft has recently introduced the ability to lock your PC directly from your Android phone, among other enhancements.
