Phone Link Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I switched to Linux and got tools that Windows users will never have pre-installed

Transitioning from Windows to Linux reveals a wealth of open-source software that enhances user experience. A key moment was switching from Fedora to openSUSE Tumbleweed, where Snapper, a snapshotting tool, was encountered. Snapper allows users to take snapshots of system files, enabling easy reversion to previous states without data loss. It automatically tracks significant changes, while Timeshift offers similar functionality in distributions like Linux Mint. KDE Plasma provides a fully customizable desktop environment, allowing users to personalize their experience with widgets, themes, and KDE applications. KDE Connect connects phones to Linux, enabling notification mirroring, file sharing, and media control, surpassing Microsoft's Phone Link. Linux package managers offer users significant control over their operating system, providing detailed information about downloads and dependencies. Although the command-line interface may seem intimidating initially, it becomes a preferred method for software management. Additionally, Linux distributions typically come with a wide range of high-quality applications pre-installed, enhancing the overall user experience.

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.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Your Windows 11 Start Menu May Look A Little Different Soon

Windows 11's Start menu, which began rolling out in November 2025, features a larger design with a structured layout that includes a Pinned section for favorite apps, a Recommended section for Microsoft suggestions, and an All section for installed applications. The Phone Link integration allows access to smartphone content directly from the Start menu. Users can customize the layout by organizing apps by category or alphabetically. However, some users criticize the menu for occupying too much screen space, having fixed dimensions, and prioritizing Microsoft's content in the Recommended section, which complicates personalization. Feedback suggests a preference for a simpler, more straightforward Start menu similar to Windows 7.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

I couldn’t be happier, as Windows 11’s cross-device resume update offers more for Android

Microsoft is releasing new Windows 11 builds (versions 24H2 and 25H2) in the Release Preview Channel, enhancing features for Android users. The update expands the Cross-Device Resume feature to include popular applications like Spotify, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The mobile Copilot app is also being improved for devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Vivo, HONOR, and OPPO. The integration between Windows and Android is being strengthened, allowing users to access mobile applications on desktops and facilitating file sharing through Phone Link.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.

Expressions of affection for Windows are common, and while the author acknowledges some shortcomings in Windows 11, it remains an essential tool for productivity, creativity, and communication. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus platform is expected to indicate a significant transition toward Arm-based Windows devices. The Microsoft Store has become a reliable platform for discovering and downloading applications on Windows. Recent enhancements in Windows 11 have improved the experience for handheld gaming PCs. The Windows Package Manager, or winget, is highly regarded, and PowerToys is recommended as essential for Windows 11 users. The Command Palette allows users to launch applications using the keyboard and execute commands. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a genuine Linux experience within Windows 11. Phone Link facilitates effortless photo transfers. The 12-inch Surface LCD is slightly thinner than the Surface Pro 11. The Windows Central community is engaged in discussions about the standout features of Windows 11.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 11 Just Fixed One Of Its Biggest Problems

Linux installations are increasing as Windows 10 approaches its expiration date, driven by user dissatisfaction with Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence and disruptive updates. The Start Menu, a key feature since Windows 95, has faced criticism due to redesigns that complicate user experience. A recent update to Windows 11 has introduced a redesigned Start Menu that allows greater customization, features a wider layout, and enables users to disable the Recommended section. However, issues remain, such as irrelevant search results, loss of access to recently accessed files when disabling recommendations, inability to resize the Start Menu, and absence of categorization for pinned items.

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.

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.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Smart new features for Android smartphones just arrived in Windows 11 – including remotely locking your PC via the phone

Microsoft is updating the Link to Windows app for Windows 11, which began rolling out in the second week of December. The new features include the ability for Android users to remotely lock their Windows 11 PC, share clipboard content between devices, one-touch screen mirroring, and access to a dedicated side panel from the Start menu. Users should update their Link to Windows app to the latest version to access these features, which can be done through the Settings panel on their Android device by navigating to Advanced features, tapping on Link to Windows, selecting the ellipsis in the upper-right corner, and tapping About Link to Windows to check for updates.