Microsoft’s Phone Link app has evolved significantly, offering a glimpse into a more integrated experience between Android devices and Windows. Recently, the company introduced a Phone Link companion for the Windows 11 Start menu, aimed primarily at Insiders. This feature provides users with convenient access to their smartphones, yet it raises questions about its necessity and functionality. Before delving into those inquiries, let’s explore how to enable or disable this feature.
Currently, the Phone Link companion is not universally available; however, those enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and utilizing the latest Dev or Beta builds may find themselves in luck. To ensure you have the required version, check for Phone Link version 1.24061.93.0 or higher.
- Press “Windows + I” to access Windows Settings, then navigate to Personalization.
- Scroll down and select Start.
- Look for “Show mobile device in Start.” Toggle it on to enable the Phone Link companion, or off to remove it.
- Open the Start menu on Windows 11, and the Phone Link companion should now be visible.
The Phone Link companion integrates seamlessly into the Windows 11 Start menu, adapting to its color scheme for a cohesive look. At the top, users will see a preview of their mobile device’s wallpaper alongside the device name. Below this, essential indicators such as connection status, Bluetooth icon, and battery percentage are displayed.
Three primary options—Messages, Calls, and Photos—serve as shortcuts to the respective pages within the Phone Link app. Following these options is a “Recents” section showcasing recent photos, calls, and messages from the connected device. Overall, this feature adds a layer of convenience without significantly impacting the performance of Windows 11, although users with older hardware might experience some slowdowns during startup.
Despite its advantages, the Phone Link companion has notable limitations. One major drawback is the inability to preview recent messages or manage features like Do Not Disturb, find my phone, or mirror recent apps directly from the Start menu. After several months of testing, it feels more like a gateway to the Phone Link app rather than a fully functional companion.
For instance, if users wish to check who recently called or messaged them, they must navigate to the Notifications or the Phone Link app itself for interaction. The companion lacks any interactive capabilities within the Start menu, which diminishes its utility.
Additionally, the Phone Link app requires permissions each time a user wants to mirror an application, which undermines the convenience that the companion is supposed to provide. Nevertheless, users can benefit from the ability to drag and drop files for easy transfer, as well as the Chromebook-inspired feature that displays active Edge pages from Android, allowing for a seamless browsing experience across devices.
In pondering the question of its existence, it appears that the Phone Link Start menu companion primarily serves as a quick glance at the status of one’s phone. What are your thoughts on this feature? Feel free to share your insights in the comments.
Hands-on with Phone Link Start Menu Companion: Why Does It Even Exist?
Microsoft’s Phone Link app has evolved significantly, offering a glimpse into a more integrated experience between Android devices and Windows. Recently, the company introduced a Phone Link companion for the Windows 11 Start menu, aimed primarily at Insiders. This feature provides users with convenient access to their smartphones, yet it raises questions about its necessity and functionality. Before delving into those inquiries, let’s explore how to enable or disable this feature.
How to Enable or Disable Phone Link Start Menu Companion
Currently, the Phone Link companion is not universally available; however, those enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and utilizing the latest Dev or Beta builds may find themselves in luck. To ensure you have the required version, check for Phone Link version 1.24061.93.0 or higher.
Phone Link Features in Windows 11 Start Menu
The Phone Link companion integrates seamlessly into the Windows 11 Start menu, adapting to its color scheme for a cohesive look. At the top, users will see a preview of their mobile device’s wallpaper alongside the device name. Below this, essential indicators such as connection status, Bluetooth icon, and battery percentage are displayed.
Three primary options—Messages, Calls, and Photos—serve as shortcuts to the respective pages within the Phone Link app. Following these options is a “Recents” section showcasing recent photos, calls, and messages from the connected device. Overall, this feature adds a layer of convenience without significantly impacting the performance of Windows 11, although users with older hardware might experience some slowdowns during startup.
What I Don’t Like About Phone Link in the Start Menu
Despite its advantages, the Phone Link companion has notable limitations. One major drawback is the inability to preview recent messages or manage features like Do Not Disturb, find my phone, or mirror recent apps directly from the Start menu. After several months of testing, it feels more like a gateway to the Phone Link app rather than a fully functional companion.
For instance, if users wish to check who recently called or messaged them, they must navigate to the Notifications or the Phone Link app itself for interaction. The companion lacks any interactive capabilities within the Start menu, which diminishes its utility.
Additionally, the Phone Link app requires permissions each time a user wants to mirror an application, which undermines the convenience that the companion is supposed to provide. Nevertheless, users can benefit from the ability to drag and drop files for easy transfer, as well as the Chromebook-inspired feature that displays active Edge pages from Android, allowing for a seamless browsing experience across devices.
In pondering the question of its existence, it appears that the Phone Link Start menu companion primarily serves as a quick glance at the status of one’s phone. What are your thoughts on this feature? Feel free to share your insights in the comments.