Phone Link Archives

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: a new Surface, big Windows 11 feature update, and more

In July 2025, Microsoft released non-security updates for Windows 10 (KB5062649) and Windows 11 (KB5062663 for versions 22H2 and 23H2; KB5062660 for version 24H2), introducing AI functionalities, improvements in Settings, and a redesigned BSOD. Companies like Brave and AdGuard are blocking Windows Recall due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is developing a tool for transitioning from older to newer computers and published a guide for Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. The Windows Insider Program released Build 27909, focusing on minor fixes, and introduced an audio-sharing feature. Microsoft disclosed a security breach in SharePoint affecting the US nuclear weapons department and provided fixes. The Surface Laptop 7 was launched with Intel's Core Ultra 200 Series processors and optional 5G connectivity. The Files app received a preview update with a new Omnibar. Meta is transitioning WhatsApp on Windows to a progressive web app, and Firefox released version 141.0 with AI-powered tab groups. Microsoft is testing a cross-device play history feature for Xbox and reversed its decision on Xbox game pricing. EA announced a new Battlefield installment, and Nvidia added new titles to GeForce NOW. Various discounts and a free game, Legion TD 2, were featured in the Weekend PC Game Deals.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

You’ll never worry about leaving your PC unlocked again, Microsoft’s phone app just solved it

Microsoft has updated its Link to Windows app, allowing users to lock their Windows PC directly from their Android phone with a simple tap. This feature enhances security by enabling remote locking, which is useful when users leave their devices unattended. The app also provides insights into the PC's status, such as battery level and Wi-Fi connectivity, and has streamlined the setup process. This update reflects Microsoft's responsiveness to user feedback, offering a proactive approach to device security.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Just Released A Major Android App Upgrade For Windows 11 PCs

On July 24, Microsoft enhanced the Link to Windows app, transforming it into a hub for interaction between Android devices and Windows 11 PCs. Users can now lock their PCs directly from their phones, monitor battery life and Wi-Fi status, and send files or mirror phone screens to their PCs. The onboarding process has been improved for easier setup on Android devices. The updates are being rolled out gradually, requiring the latest Windows Insider Preview build and specific app versions for both PCs and Android devices.

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.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Previewing a refreshed Link to Windows experience for Android phones

An update for the Link to Windows app has been rolled out for Windows Insiders, featuring a modernized design, enhanced onboarding, and new capabilities for managing PCs from Android devices, including the ability to lock the PC remotely. The app now serves as a hub for connected experiences, allowing users to view recent activity, monitor their PC's status, send files, and mirror their phone's screen. The onboarding process has been improved to enable setup directly from Android devices. To try the new experience, users must ensure they have the latest Windows Insider Preview build and the correct version of the Link to Windows app, and they need to pair their Android phone with their PC. Feedback can be provided through the app or the Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

You can now lock your Windows machine via an Android phone app you may already have

Users can now lock their PCs remotely through the Link to Windows app on Android, enhancing security by allowing users to secure their device with a "Lock PC" button. This feature disables the Phone Link functionality while the computer is locked. To use this feature, users must have Link to Windows version 1.25071.165 or later installed.

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 their Android devices. The updated Phone Link will enable users to access text and images copied to their PC’s clipboard from their Android phones. This feature is particularly beneficial for Google Pixel users, who have historically lacked cross-device sync capabilities. Users can connect their Android phones to a Windows PC via Phone Link, but not all features are activated by default; manual activation is required through Windows Settings. For Insider Preview Builds, a new “access PC’s clipboard” toggle facilitates one-way syncing of clipboard content from the PC to the phone. The updated Link to Windows app also includes a clipboard history feature and a “lock PC” button for remote security.

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.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft introduces fresh Windows 11 update to help laptops last longer on battery

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11 that enhances battery life for laptops through a new adaptive energy saver mode. This mode manages power consumption based on the laptop's workload, activating energy-saving features during light activities like web browsing and reducing power during intensive tasks. The energy saver mode dims the display brightness by about 30%, disables transparency effects, and pauses background app activity. The update will also provide more accurate battery estimates and insights into power-hungry applications. Additionally, it includes smarter controls for screen refresh rates and brightness, automatically lowering them when the user steps away. The update is being rolled out in the latest Windows 11 release.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft has a new trick to improve laptop battery life on Windows

Microsoft is testing a new adaptive energy saver mode for Windows 11 that aims to enhance laptop battery efficiency by managing energy consumption based on the device's workload. This mode will automatically toggle energy saver settings without changing screen brightness and will be available exclusively for devices with a battery. It is currently being trialed in the Canary Channel and is expected to roll out later this year. Desktop PCs will not support this adaptive mode, but the main energy saver functionality is available for all PCs.