Windows 10 and Windows 11 haven't exactly revolutionized the Windows experience, by and large part just iterating on everything we know and love about Windows. Windows 11 has gradually begun to streamline the visual experience, unifying outdated UI elements under a single design language, although the pace of improvements arguably leaves a lot to be desired.
Windows 10 emerged on the tail end of Microsoft's phone platform, which sadly met its end with the Lumia 950 line and Windows 10 Mobile. Since then, Microsoft embraced Android as its primary mobile platform, going as far as building its own phones in the form of the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2.
As an Android user, I'm generally satisfied with Microsoft's support of the platform across OneDrive for cloud storage, Edge for internet syncing, SwiftKey for cloud clipboard, and so on. However, one unique app I feel deserves a shoutout for how much it has become a part of my daily workflow, and that is Microsoft's "Phone Link," which enjoys special treatment in the Samsung Galaxy Android OS.
A more streamlined workflow
For those who may be unfamiliar, Phone Link (formerly known as Your Phone) is a feature baked into Windows 11, and Windows 10, that bridges the gap between your PC and your phone. You can access Your Phone via an app called Link to Windows on Google Play, but some devices like modern Samsung Galaxy phones and Surface Duo tablets have it baked directly into the OS, usually accessible via the settings menu. Apple devices aren't really supported in the same way, sadly, because the company restricts how competitors can integrate with its platforms. For Windows users, the obvious choice is always going to be Android.
I use Phone Link with my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Note devices before then. Essentially, the app creates a secure pipeline between your mobile device and your PC, surfacing content from your mobile device to your PC. In essence, it turns your PC into a Swiss army knife, allowing you to take calls, receive and send text messages, grab your camera roll photos with ease, and impressively, directly control and type right onto your phone's display.
Windows has been supplanted by mobile devices in certain aspects of computing, although the apocalyptic collapse of the PC market some predicted decades ago has yet to materialize. The reality is PCs are just better for some parts of one's digital life, but a small pocketable device may be better for others. Communication on the go is an obvious way phones beat out PCs, which is why laptops with sim card support remain relatively niche outside of business use cases. Phone Link, however, bridges that gap, dropping text messages and even phone calls directly onto your PC, meaning you don't have to reach for your phone at every interval to receive a 2FA code or react to a call. Phone Link also gives me reams of notifications for apps that simply aren't available on Windows PCs. PWAs like Instagram on the web have helped to some degree, but the notification support still feels a bit iffy. Being able to manage those notifications from Your Phone ensures that I don't miss out.
As someone who takes product shots for work and does a lot of research on my phone late at night, the ability to quickly and easily grab photos from my camera roll via Phone Link is another welcome benefit. I tend to screencap info that isn't easily emailed or typed up, and know that I can just pull them down from the Photos tab on Phone Link when I come to do some writing later.
Valid privacy concerns and errors frustrate
One of Phone Link's headline features is the ability to stream your entire display to a Windows PC, and interact with Android using a mouse and keyboard. This is a potentially awesome feature, allowing you to use apps like Snapchat which simply have no presence on PC with total ease. You can even use it to play games with low latency intensity like Hearthstone.
Phone Link even allows you to pin specific apps you use regularly to your taskbar or start menu, making the process even more seamless. At least, in theory. There are some Android limitations that sadly prevent this feature from being so seamless.
Indeed, Phone Link is by no means perfect. The app streaming model Microsoft the app utilizes, while great when in use, requires constant permissions checks, which eliminates some of that "streamlined" promise. I'm not exactly sure why you need to repeatedly set permissions checks for this feature — there may be a very valid security reason, or it may be a specific limitation of Android. Either way, it's a speedbump that sees me using the feature a lot less than I otherwise would.
Phone Link enjoys a high degree of connectivity between Galaxy and Surface phones and Windows PCs, but connectivity can waver on occasion. While I don't have non-Galaxy phones to test it myself, friends have said to me that connectivity is sometimes intermittent on Google Pixel and OnePlus devices that use the Phone Link app rather than full OS integration. On certain network conditions, it seems that even Galaxy and Duo phones suffer from some intermittent connectivity, too, which could be down to home Wi-Fi security settings, but it's hard to say for sure.
I'd like to see more features hit the app, too, within reason. I wish I could access Microsoft Authenticator codes through it, although that might present a security risk in some scenarios. Perhaps more transparency on privacy through the app wouldn't go amiss either, which is a concern people have put forward to me about Phone Link, and frankly, Windows 11 in general. Phone Link is not end-to-end encrypted. Microsoft is generally a bit lackadaisical towards privacy, frankly. Skype is notoriously lacking in end-to-end encryption, for example, which has seen it fall out of favor for programs like WhatsApp and Telegram encrypted chats. If you're particularly privacy-conscious, I can see why and fully appreciate that you wouldn't want to use this feature.
The promise of Windows Phone endures
I was fairly late to the Windows Phone party, jumping in around the launch of Windows Phone 8. I was sold on the promise of a family of devices that would connect via the cloud, and create the seamless workflows and synchronicity we're seeing today with tools like Phone Link. I recall this fun Casio organizer I had as a kid, that was essentially just a calculator and calendar that could store very short strings of text. I had no idea we'd one day have full-blown pocket computers, able to function as a full conduit to our digital lives.
Windows Phone may have died, but the promise persists thanks to apps like Phone Link, services like OneDrive, and tools like SwiftKey cloud clipboard. There are still imperfections to iron out, but Phone Link has become a daily part of my workflow now, for me, destined to be as taken-for-granted as the Start Menu itself someday. Long may it live, and hopefully improve.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor
Jez Corden a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by caffeine. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his Xbox Two podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!
FAQs
What does Microsoft phone link do? ›
This link between your device and PC gives you instant access to everything you love. Read and reply to text messages with ease, view recent photos from your Android device, use your favorite mobile apps, make and receive calls, and manage your Android device's notifications right on your PC.
Is Phone Link any good? ›If you're running Windows and Android devices, Phone Link is worth trying out. The app is also great for those with shorter attention spans and helps them focus on work rather than getting distracted by their phones, like how Bedtime mode on Android helps you sleep better.
What is the Phone Link service for Windows 10? ›Phone Link, previously Your Phone, is an app developed by Microsoft for Windows 10 for connecting Android to Windows 10 devices. It enables a Windows PC to access the 2000 most recent photos on a connected phone, send SMS messages, and make phone calls.
What is the Phone Link feature on Windows 11? ›By pairing your Android phone with Windows 11 through Microsoft's Phone Link app, you can use your PC to make and answer phone calls, read and respond to text messages, view photos taken on your phone, and receive notifications. With certain model phones, you can even run Android apps on your PC.
What is the benefit of Link to Windows? ›Link to Windows (also known as Microsoft Your Phone) allows you to see your notifications, send and receive text messages, make calls and view your recent photos right from your desktop.
Is Link to Windows good? ›You should definitely at least try Link to Windows
If everything is working right, the two devices will stay connected and you will get your Android notifications on your computer whenever they are on the same network.
I noticed that Microsoft's Phone Link app does not work without an internet connection. Some other apps discover and connect directly to your mobile device via your local Wifi or USB.
Does Phone Link work for iPhone? ›Phone Link for iOS requires iPhone with iOS 14 or higher, Windows 11 device, Bluetooth connection and the latest version of the Phone Link app. Not available for iPad (iPadOS) or MacOS.
Is Phone Link the same as Link to Windows? ›Our latest evolution brings a new name to unify the experience for all our users. With that, we're introducing Microsoft Phone Link as the PC app experience, and Link to Windows as our mobile app for Android devices.
Is Microsoft Phone link free? ›Microsoft Phone Link, formerly Your Phone, is a free app developed by Microsoft. The Phone Link app lets you get instant access to everything on your Android phone right from your PC.
Can I remove Microsoft phone link? ›
Settings, Apps, click on Phone Link and click Uninstall. Another way is Control Panel, Under Programs click Uninstall a Program, then right click on the one you want to remove.
What is Microsoft Phone Link iPhone? ›Microsoft's new Phone Link can also let you make and receive calls and mirror your iPhone's notifications to your Windows PC. By Tom Warren / @tomwarren. Mar 24, 2023, 4:30 AM PDT 11 Comments / 11 New.
How do I open my phone screen on Windows Phone Link? ›- Open the Phone Link app and go to Phone screen.
- Follow the setup instructions. You may receive a permissions request to access information on your Android device. Allowing these permissions lets the Phone Link app display content from your device.
Your phone exe runs in the background as it manages the notifications from the mobile phones. The application has to run continuously to share the notifications on your laptop or desktop. If in case you disable the application from the background, then it might fix this error.
How do I remove a Microsoft account from my Android phone? ›- Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Link to Windows > About Link to Windows. ...
- Click your Microsoft account.
- Scroll down to Link to Windows where you will see your previously used Microsoft account and email address.
- Click Remove account.
- Go to the Microsoft Store, search for Phone Link and download it.
- After launching Phone Link on your PC, you'll be asked to specify your mobile OS. Select “Android” and click “Continue.”
- You'll be presented with a QR code to scan on your phone.
Phone Link is not end-to-end encrypted. Microsoft is generally a bit lackadaisical towards privacy, frankly. Skype is notoriously lacking in end-to-end encryption, for example, which has seen it fall out of favor for programs like WhatsApp and Telegram encrypted chats.
What are the benefits of linking Microsoft account to Windows 10? ›- Settings Sync Across All Devices. ...
- Windows Store Apps. ...
- Cortana. ...
- OneDrive. ...
- Windows Native Apps. ...
- Other Microsoft Services. ...
- Privacy. ...
- Security.
With the Phone Link app, you can make and receive calls from your Android device on your PC. The Phone Link app needs to be connected to your Android device over Bluetooth to make and receive calls on your PC.
What is a Windows link file? ›Link Files are Windows shortcut files created automatically by the Windows operating system whenever a user accesses a local or remote file or document. These files, however, can also be created manually by the user.
Can someone access my phone online? ›
For instance, if you use an Android phone, a hacker can guess your Google account password and remote access your Android phone. Similarly, getting your iCloud credentials can help a hacker quickly get into your iPhone. So use solid passwords for your accounts, and you can even regularly keep changing them to be safe.
Why can't I access apps on Phone Link? ›Check if the Phone Link app is set to run in the background. Select Start (or press the Windows logo key on your keyboard), then select Settings> Privacy > Background apps. In the list Choose which apps can run in the background, ensure that Phone Link is enabled.
Why can't I use apps in Phone Link? ›Phone Link can't fully operate when it's not allowed to run in the background. So, make sure you have background app permissions set to always for Phone Link. This is how you can set that app to always run in the background via Settings: Press both the Windows + X keys and select Search to access that tool.
What phones are compatible with Phone Link? ›- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.
- Samsung Note10 series.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S10 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 series.
There is no need to reset your iPhone. On your old iPhone: Go to Settings > Tap your name > iCloud > Toggle on the switch of the data you want to sync. On your new iPhone: Repeat the steps to turn on the sync > Choose Merge if asked.
How much better is Windows 11 than 10? ›Windows 11 is snappier than Windows 10, but the differences are small in real-world use. The various optimizations in Windows 11 help it to run faster on weaker laptops, but you're not giving up a ton of performance with Windows 10.
Does Windows Phone Link use WIFI? ›The Phone Link app requires the following to work: A PC running Windows 10 (with the May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11. An Android device runningAndroid 7.0 (Nougat) or later. Your phone and your PC both need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
What is the difference between your phone and Phone Link? ›What you need to know. Your Phone on Windows is being renamed Phone Link. On Android, Your Phone Companion changes to Link to Windows. Microsoft cites the evolution of the app, noting it's "more than just bringing your phone into your PC but as a bridge between the two devices."
Why do I need a Microsoft account on my phone? ›Your Microsoft account lets you manage everything all in one place. Keep tabs on your subscriptions and order history, organize your family's digital life, update your privacy and security settings, track the health and safety of your devices, and get rewards.
Do you have to pay for Microsoft Word on phone? ›Viewing a document on Word for Android. You can install Microsoft Word for Android and iOS, free of charge.
Can you link an iPhone to a Windows computer? ›
Using a USB cable or adapter, you can directly connect iPhone and a Mac or Windows PC. Make sure you have one of the following: Mac with a USB port and OS X 10.9 or later. PC with a USB port and Windows 7 or later.
How do I remove a Microsoft account from my Samsung phone? ›- Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars. The Accounts screen will open.
- On the Accounts screen, tap the Exchange Account you want to remove.
- Scroll down and click Delete Account. ...
- On the warning window, click Delete Account to finish.
With the power of the Microsoft 365 app for iOS, you can stay productive on the go. Create and edit new Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PowerPoint presentations. Quickly jot down thoughts and ideas with Sticky Notes. Instantly create PDF files from photos or your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Why link Android phone to Windows? ›Link to Windows takes everything that you can do on your smartphone and brings it to convenience and familiarity of your PC. Using the Your Phone app, you can send texts, see recent photos, triage notifications, and use any of your favourite mobile apps - all without ever having to take your phone out of your pocket.
Can I uninstall Cortana? ›- Open Start on Windows 11.
- Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and click the Run as administrator option.
- Type the following command to uninstall Cortana on Windows 11 and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.549981C3F5F10* | Remove-AppxPackage.
Microsoft Remote Desktop
This service allows you to access multiple computers over the same network and works with VPNs. This service is built into Microsoft Office. You can also access and control a computer from a non-Windows device if you download Microsoft's RDC app. The app is available for Mac, iOS, and Android.
Definition of background work. An app is running in the background when both the following conditions are satisfied: None of the app's activities are currently visible to the user. The app isn't running any foreground services that started while an activity from the app was visible to the user.
What is Microsoft Phone Link and do I need it? ›Microsoft Phone Link replaces the Your Phone Companion app and allows you to filter your notifications, receive calls, and use your mobile apps on your PC. With updated design for Windows 11, Phone Link is reaching customers around the world.
How do I use Microsoft phone link? ›- Open Phone Link application.
- Go to Settings > Features > Instant Hotspot.
- Select Setup Instant Hotspot.
- Follow the directions provided on the pop-up > select Send Notification > go to your Android device.
- Select the notification.
- Select Allow.
Settings, Apps, click on Phone Link and click Uninstall. Another way is Control Panel, Under Programs click Uninstall a Program, then right click on the one you want to remove.
Why is Phone Link running in background? ›
Your phone exe runs in the background as it manages the notifications from the mobile phones. The application has to run continuously to share the notifications on your laptop or desktop. If in case you disable the application from the background, then it might fix this error.
Does Microsoft phone link work offline? ›Save this question. Show activity on this post. I noticed that Microsoft's Phone Link app does not work without an internet connection. Some other apps discover and connect directly to your mobile device via your local Wifi or USB.
Does Microsoft phone link work with iphones? ›Traditionally, it only worked well with Android devices, but it now also lets you see your iMessage and SMS messages from your iPhone right on Windows. If you're excited to get started, here's how you can use Phone Link with an iPhone.
How do you activate Microsoft phone and how does it work? ›With Internet-based activation, Microsoft servers process the activation and activate the product. With telephone-based activation, you activate your product by contacting a Microsoft Product Activation Center and following the steps that are provided by an automated telephone system.
Is Microsoft Phone Link app safe? ›Phone Link is not end-to-end encrypted. Microsoft is generally a bit lackadaisical towards privacy, frankly.
How do I permanently delete a Microsoft account from my phone? ›- Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars. The Accounts screen will open.
- On the Accounts screen, tap the Exchange Account you want to remove.
- Scroll down and click Delete Account. ...
- On the warning window, click Delete Account to finish.
- Go to your Microsoft Store app and search for Phone Link to download it.
- Launch the app and select Android, then click on Continue.
- Then, a QR code will appear on the screen where you will need to scan your Android phone to finish the setup process.
If ads randomly pop up on your phone, you find adware on your android, or your phone is pausing for no apparent reason, you could be a victim of Android adware. Especially common in the form of random pop ups on android phones, android adware can be particularly annoying.
How do you know if your phone has a virus from a link? ›The best way to check for malware on your phone is to use a mobile security app like free AVG Antivirus for Android. Run a scan. After installing AVG Antivirus, open the app and run an antivirus scan to find malware hidden in your device's system.
Why won t my Phone Link to Windows? ›Check if the Phone Link app is set to run in the background. Select Start (or press the Windows logo key on your keyboard), then select Settings> Privacy > Background apps. In the list Choose which apps can run in the background, ensure that Phone Link is enabled.