Phone Link Archives

BetaBeacon

September 27, 2026

How to use Android apps on your Windows PC (and why you might want to)

- Microsoft's plan to make Android apps compatible with Windows 11 was dropped in 2024. - Two main paths to run Android apps on a PC are through emulators like BlueStacks or MuMuPlayer, or using the Google Play Games app. - Emulating Android apps on a PC is useful for gaming, running social media apps, testing apps, and running slimmed-down versions of creative software. - Emulators like MuMuPlayer and BlueStacks allow for parallel instances of emulated Android devices.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

7 Windows features I disabled after realizing nobody needs to use them

Windows 11 allows users to optimize their experience by disabling or uninstalling various features. 1. OneDrive: Users can unlink or uninstall OneDrive through File Explorer or the Settings app. 2. Copilot: Copilot can be uninstalled via the Settings app, and its keyboard shortcut can be customized. 3. Widgets: The Widgets board can be disabled or removed through the Settings app under Personalization. 4. Start Menu: Users can streamline the Start Menu by turning off pinned apps, recent items, and account notifications in the Settings app. 5. Phone Link: This feature can be minimized or uninstalled using the Settings app or Windows PowerShell. 6. Xbox Features: Xbox and Xbox Live can be uninstalled through the Settings app, and Game Mode can be toggled off. The Xbox Game Bar can be removed via PowerShell. 7. Search Results: To improve search efficiency, users can disable Bing and web results using Windows PowerShell.

Winsage

September 13, 2026

Microsoft blocked every Windows 11 account bypass except the most boring link on its own page

Microsoft has streamlined the Windows 11 setup process by encouraging the creation of a Microsoft account (MSA) during installation. A new workaround allows users to create a local account without needing complex tools or disconnecting from the internet. To use this method, users should start a fresh installation of Windows 11 Home, connect to the internet, and look for the small “Learn more” link under “Sign-in options” when prompted for MSA details. If successful, users can enter a local username and continue the setup process, including creating a password and answering security questions. This method is not officially sanctioned by Microsoft and may be an unintended bug. Microsoft has previously eliminated other methods for bypassing the MSA requirement, citing the need for fully configured devices. Internally, opinions at Microsoft about the MSA requirement vary, with some executives expressing frustration. The overall Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) still requires improvement, with reports indicating lengthy setup times due to advertisements and web-based components.

Winsage

September 9, 2026

Windows 11 set to gain upgraded sound settings, cross-device improvements, and new family safety features as Microsoft begins testing

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for testing, featuring several enhancements. Key updates include: - Enhanced sound settings with redesigned volume sliders that provide real-time audio feedback and the migration of more Control Panel sound settings to Windows Settings. This includes options to set default audio devices, enable hardware acceleration, configure exclusive mode, and adjust adaptive communication sound levels. The All sound devices page has also been improved for easier management of audio devices. - Improved cross-device functionality allowing users to download the Windows app for a phone directly from the Taskbar via Phone Link, facilitating easier task resumption across devices.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Your phone may soon be able to shut down or restart your PC with just a couple of taps

Recent discoveries in Microsoft's Link to Windows app for Android suggest that it may soon allow users to restart, shut down, or put their PCs to sleep from their mobile devices. Currently, users can lock their PCs using their Android phones, and new code indicates additional functionalities are forthcoming. Microsoft is also testing various flyouts and menus to enhance the connection between smartphones and PCs, including a potential addition to the Start menu on Windows 11.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Windows 11 Will Now Let Android Smartphone Users Shutdown Or Restart Their Systems Remotely Using The Native Phone Link App

Microsoft's Phone Link app for Windows 11 is set to introduce a feature allowing Android users to remotely shut down or restart their Windows 11 machines. Code findings indicate the presence of a "RemoteControlManager" component, along with labels confirming functionalities for initiating a "Restart" or "Shut down" from smartphones. Additional features may include the ability to perform updates remotely. A sleep feature is also in development, but it will prevent users from restarting or shutting down their devices until they unlock their computers. There is currently no official timeline for the rollout of these updates.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Will Windows 11’s new setup let you bypass the Microsoft account? Not on the list, at least for now

Microsoft has announced enhancements to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, aiming to streamline the setup process before the end of 2026. The current setup requires a Microsoft account and an internet connection, eliminating the option for a local account, which was available in previous Windows versions. Users face delays due to mandatory updates, which can take 20 to 50 minutes, and are subjected to numerous promotional pages during the setup. Microsoft has introduced a “Skip for now” option for updates but has not addressed the forced Microsoft account sign-in requirement. There is no mention of removing this requirement in recent updates, despite ongoing demand from users. Microsoft has relaxed some account requirements in other areas, such as allowing sign-ins with Google or Apple accounts for Bing, but the OOBE still mandates a Microsoft account.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft delivered plenty of Windows 11 updates in July — and I’m highlighting the most important changes for your PC

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 in July 2026, including: - An updated Windows Search that automatically identifies additional relevant folder locations based on user activity. - Enhancements to the Phone Link companion flyout in the Start menu for quick previews of recent messages or notifications. - An adaptive hibernate policy that prevents hibernation when the battery is above 80% and initiates it when below 10%. - Performance improvements in File Explorer, including faster deletion of large files and touch scrolling support. - Streamlined Windows Update process that reduces system restarts by consolidating updates. - New gesture controls for Precision Touchpads to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. - Support for removing smart card policies in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 sessions. - Improved usability of refreshable Braille displays with Narrator for instant connectivity. - Ability to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen for personalization. - Introduction of Voice Isolation for Voice Access to enhance speech recognition in noisy environments.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but do you actually use it?

Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft is testing deeper Phone Link integration in Windows 11, but does anyone actually use it?

Windows Insiders can explore new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, accessible via the Experimental Preview Channel. The enhanced Windows Search allows customization, including the option to integrate personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and decide on OneDrive's inclusion in search results. The Start menu will gradually feature a content preview. Users can discuss these updates on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral.