In the seamless world of interconnected devices, linking your Android phone to your Windows desktop has never been more pertinent. Enter “Phone Link” – an intrinsic feature available for both Windows 11 and 10, and one that greets you pre-installed on your Windows laptop or PC purchase. As the modernized moniker implies, Phone Link is not just about establishing a connection; it’s about harnessing a plethora of your smartphone’s capabilities right from your Windows environment. From viewing and reacting to notifications, initiating phone calls, sending text messages, to even orchestrating quick settings and managing photos – the capabilities seem limitless. The real icing on the cake? Running Android apps on Windows 11. While certain phones come with the “Link to Windows” option ingrained in their settings, specific foldable devices such as the Surface Duo’s two generations and select Samsung phones come with innate support. To check if your phone made the cut, a quick visit to Microsoft’s website is all it takes. However, before embarking on this integration journey, ensure both devices are Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled and within range, with mobile data activated. And for the Windows side of things, the “Your Phone” app, a staple in Windows 11, is your primary facilitator for this technological handshake.
Update: The Windows 11 “Your Phone” app is now called “Phone Link.”
How to Link Android Phone to Windows 11?
Follow these steps to link Android Phone to Windows 11:-
Step 1. Firstly, open the Settings app by clicking the Windows + I keys.
Step 2. Now, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, on the right-side pane, click Your Phone.
Step 4. After that, click the Open Your Phone button.
Step 5. When the “Your Phone” app opens, click the Get Started button.
Step 6. Now, click on the “Sign in” button and sign in to your Microsoft account. If you have already signed into your computer with a Microsoft account, the “Your Phone” app will not prompt you to sign in. You can continue with the next steps.
Step 7. Then, it would help if you paired your phone with your PC. For that, check the box, “I have the Your Phone Companion – Link to Windows app ready,” and click the button Pair with QR code.
After that, you are going to pair your phone with a computer. You’ll need the Your Phone Companion app on your phone. So, open the “www.aka.ms/yourpc” link on your phone and install the app.
Step 8. When the “Your Phone Companion” app installs, open it. Tap “Link your phone and PC” and then “Continue.” Now, face the phone camera towards the QR code of the PC to scan.
Step 9. Finally, your PC and phone should be linked when pairing completes. Click the Continue button.
After completing all the steps, you should manage text messages, photos, calls, etc., from your Android phone.
Also Read: How to Link an Android Phone to a Windows 10 PC?
Conclusion
The Phone Link feature on Windows 11 ensures seamless integration between Android phones and Windows desktops, providing users the convenience of accessing their phone’s functionalities directly from their PC. By following the detailed steps provided, users can enjoy a streamlined experience, enhancing their productivity by bridging the gap between mobile and desktop environments.
