Link to Windows Archives

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

I gave my Samsung phone superpowers with a $6 pack of NFC tags

NFC technology enhances daily life by allowing users to automate tasks through NFC tags. These tags are inexpensive, with a pack of ten costing around , and in the U.S., fifty tags can be purchased for just under . Users can create routines on Samsung phones by accessing Settings, selecting Modes and Routines, and scanning NFC tags to trigger automated actions. Practical routines include: - Morning Routine: Scanning an NFC tag turns off an alarm, adjusts phone settings, opens Google Calendar and Google Keep, and allows for news updates. - Work-from-Home Routine: Optimizes phone settings for productivity, including keeping the phone unlocked and using the Pomodoro technique with the Tomato app. - Pre-Outdoor Exercise Routine: Activates location services, adjusts Bluetooth settings, opens a podcast app, and reminds users to take essential items. - Android Auto Routine: Simplifies the connection process between the phone and Android Auto using two NFC tags for connecting and disconnecting. - Cooking Routine: Launches Samsung Food and Google Clock to set timers while cooking. - Bedtime Routine: Launches a white noise app, prompts a review of notes, and adjusts settings for better sleep. These routines illustrate the versatility of NFC tags in streamlining daily activities.

Winsage

June 6, 2026

I found the easiest way to transfer files between Android and Windows

Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission when purchases are made through links in their articles. The author initially used Pushbullet for data transfer but switched to a NAS system, specifically the DiskStation DS1823xs+, for storing data. They discovered Quick Share, Google's file-sharing method for Android, which is now available on Windows and compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. Quick Share was first introduced on Windows in 2021, initially limited to Samsung Galaxy Book devices, but a standalone app is now available for any Windows PC. To use Quick Share, users must download the app, log in with their Google account, and can then easily transfer files between their phone and PC. The author finds Quick Share reliable, although large file transfers may take time due to Bluetooth reliance.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

I found the easiest way to transfer files between Android and Windows

The author initially used Pushbullet for data transfer between their smartphone and Windows PC but switched to a NAS solution, specifically the DiskStation DS1823xs+, for easier file uploads and downloads. They found Syncthing as an alternative for syncing folders but discovered Quick Share as a more efficient option. Quick Share is Google's default method for sharing data between Android devices and is compatible with iPhones, particularly models like the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10. It requires a 64-bit version of Windows (Windows 10 or 11) and allows for seamless file transfers, including folders, with no connectivity issues reported during a month of use. To use Quick Share, users must download the application on Windows, log in with the same Google account linked to their phone, and select their PC as a target device for file transfers. The process involves selecting files on the phone, choosing Quick Share, and initiating the transfer on the PC.

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Microsoft quietly shipped 9 meaningful Windows 11 improvements this year, and they actually make the OS feel more polished

Microsoft has released a series of quality updates for Windows 11 in the first quarter of 2026, introducing several new features: - Cross-device resume allows users to resume Android apps directly on Windows 11 via the Taskbar. - Windows MIDI Services now support MIDI 0 and 2.0, including WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support. - Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports external fingerprint readers. - A new "Device info" card in the Settings app displays key hardware specifications. - Quick Machine Recovery is now enabled by default for Windows 11 Pro. - A new network speed test feature can be accessed via the Taskbar. - Camera settings enhancements allow management of pan and tilt controls. - Sysmon is now a native feature in Windows 11, providing advanced monitoring capabilities. - Windows 11 supports WebP images as wallpapers.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Windows may have ditched Android apps, but now it wants to sync with them

Microsoft has expanded its Cross-Device Resume feature on Windows 11 to include support for applications such as Spotify, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This feature, initially launched in May 2025, allows users to transition seamlessly between devices, particularly between smartphones and PCs, by connecting Android devices through the Link to Windows app. Users can access applications directly from their PC's toolbar and pick up where they left off. The feature requires both devices to be connected to the internet for optimal functionality.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 has a hidden feature that barely anyone knows exists, and Microsoft just made a crucial update that could actually make it useful | Attack of the Fanboy

Windows 11 introduces a feature called Resume, or Cross Device Resume (XDR), which allows users to switch from an app on their phone to their Windows PC. The feature currently has limited app support, mainly functioning with Spotify and Microsoft 365. Microsoft is working to enhance this feature by allowing a broader range of Android applications to utilize Windows Resume. An update has introduced an alternative method for developers to connect their applications to Resume using the Windows Push Notification Service (WNS), addressing previous limitations. Developers must submit a request to Microsoft to enable Resume for their applications, and the app must be available on both Windows and Android for the feature to work effectively.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft’s first Windows 11 preview build of 2026 brings more Copilot+ PC features to everyone

Microsoft has released its first Windows 11 preview build of the year, featuring an enhancement to the Narrator app that allows it to use Copilot for detailed image descriptions. This capability, previously available only to Copilot+ users, is now accessible to all Windows 11 devices, aiding blind and low-vision users. Additionally, Microsoft has improved the Cross Device Resume capability by introducing a new integration path via the Windows Notification System (WNS). The latest preview build is 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and is available through Windows Update for Insiders in the Dev or Beta Channel. Users are advised to switch to the Beta Channel to remain on the current 25H2 release, as the Dev Channel will soon change to higher build numbers, removing the option to switch between channels.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel have a limited opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel, which will close soon. New features include Copilot-powered image descriptions in Narrator, which enhances accessibility for blind and low-vision users. Administrators can now uninstall the Microsoft Copilot app for specific users under certain conditions. Improvements include enhancements to Cross Device Resume for developers and a refresh of the Windows Spotlight icon. Fixes have been implemented for various issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, input methods, print dialogs, and Windows Update settings. Known issues include problems with the Xbox full-screen experience, Start menu access, system tray visibility, Settings crashes, Bluetooth battery level display, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually to Insiders.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Windows 11’s “almost full-screen” Android apps mirroring now available for everyone via Phone Link app with supported phones

Users can utilize the "Expanded screen" feature in the Microsoft Phone Link app, allowing up to 90% of desktop screen space to be used when streaming Android applications to Windows 11. This feature is available to all users and may require updates from the Microsoft Store for those who do not see it yet. The Phone Link app previously had a compact view for Android app streaming, but now allows apps to stretch across the desktop. The feature prompts the phone to relaunch the app in a wider layout, which is then streamed to the PC, though not all apps are compatible with this expanded view. The feature is described as "almost-full-screen," leaving about 10% of the screen unused. The "Apps" section in Phone Link may be absent if the device is not supported; compatible devices include select models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. Microsoft has also introduced the ability to lock PCs directly from Android phones.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

4 Ways To Use Android Apps On Your Mac Or PC

You can access Android apps on your PC or Mac through various methods. 1. Phone Link: Windows 11 allows you to sync your Android phone with your PC using the Phone Link app, enabling you to send texts, make calls, browse photos, and launch Android apps. To set it up, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you need to install the Link to Windows app on your Android device. 2. Google Play Games: This desktop application lets you play Android games on Windows. Minimum requirements include Windows 10, 10GB SSD storage, 8GB RAM, and Intel UHD Graphics 630. You can download it from the Google Play Games website. 3. MuMuPlayer: An Android emulator that recreates the Android OS environment on your computer. It requires Windows 7 or later, a quad-core i5-7500 CPU, 4GB RAM, and 2GB free disk space. You can download and install it, then access the Play Store to run Android apps. 4. ScrCpy: An open-source tool for mirroring and controlling your Android screen on your computer via a wired connection. You need to enable Developer options and USB debugging on your Android phone, then connect it to your computer and run ScrCpy to mirror the screen. Each method has specific requirements and setup instructions.