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Microsoft is adding powerful new ways to link your phone and PC
Winsage
July 24, 2025

Microsoft is adding powerful new ways to link your phone and PC

Microsoft is testing new features for its Phone Link application to improve integration between Android devices and Windows PCs. Upcoming updates will allow users to remotely lock their PC and access its clipboard from an Android device. Users must enable specific features in Windows settings to utilize these functions, such as using an Android phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. Recent observations indicate a new toggle for accessing the PC's clipboard, enabling a connected Android phone to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, though this feature currently works only in one direction. Two-way clipboard synchronization options are available through SwiftKey and Phone Link, but the latter is not available for Google Pixel devices. The Link to Windows app is also being enhanced, including a history of copied items and a remote lock PC button, which requires enabling the "Remote PC controls" toggle.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
July 23, 2025

Microsoft is testing new features to make your Android phone work better with Windows PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Phone Link application to allow users to remotely lock their PCs and access clipboard content from Android devices. Users need to manually activate features like using the phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. The new clipboard feature allows connected Android phones to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, but it currently syncs content only from the PC to the phone. This feature is especially beneficial for Pixel users, who previously lacked seamless clipboard integration. The app also includes a lock PC button for remote security, which requires activation in Windows settings.
Phone Link’s Instant Hotspot feature is no longer exclusive to Samsung phones
AppWizard
August 29, 2024

Phone Link’s Instant Hotspot feature is no longer exclusive to Samsung phones

Microsoft's Phone Link app has expanded the Instant Hotspot feature to select OnePlus devices, including the OnePlus Open and OnePlus 12, which previously was exclusive to Samsung devices. The Instant Hotspot allows Windows PCs to connect to the Internet via a smartphone's mobile hotspot without manual activation or password entry. This feature is only available on Windows 11 PCs linked to Samsung devices running One UI 4.1.1 or later, due to Android's restrictions. Other manufacturers, like OPPO and OnePlus, also include the Link to Windows Service app, enabling some of their devices to support Instant Hotspot. However, not all devices are compatible; for example, the OnePlus 10 Pro does not support it despite running the same version of the Link to Windows app as the OnePlus 12. The Link to Windows Service app also provides other functionalities, such as app streaming and cross-device copy and paste, although some features remain exclusive to Samsung.
This new feature is basically AirDrop but for Windows PCs and Android
AppWizard
August 13, 2024

This new feature is basically AirDrop but for Windows PCs and Android

A new feature is being rolled out that enhances file sharing between Windows PCs and Android devices using Phone Link and Link to Windows applications. This functionality allows seamless transfer of files, utilizing built-in sharing menus for an intuitive experience. Currently available for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, it is distinct from the "cross-device copy and paste" feature introduced in 2020. Users need a Windows 10 (May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11 PC, and an Android smartphone running version 9.0 or later, along with updated versions of the Link to Windows app and Phone Link. To share files from a PC to an Android device, users select the file, right-click and choose "Share," then locate Phone Link in the share pop-up. Notifications must be enabled to track the progress. For sharing files from an Android device to a PC, users select the file, tap "Share," find Link to Windows – Send to PC, and select the connected device. The status updates to "Sent" once the transfer is complete, with notifications sent to both devices.
Microsoft enhances 'file sharing' between Windows PC and Android
Winsage
June 17, 2024

Microsoft enhances ‘file sharing’ between Windows PC and Android

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in the Windows Insider Preview that allows users to easily share files from a Windows PC to an Android phone. This feature requires pairing the devices using the Link to Windows app on Android and the Phone Link app on the PC. It is currently available in the Beta Channel with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3785.
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