Hello Windows Insiders, We’re excited to begin rolling out an update for the Link to Windows app that includes a refreshed experience for Windows Insiders. This update brings a modernized design, smarter onboarding, and new ways to access content and remotely control your PC including the ability to lock your PC — all from your Android phone. Please note that this experience is rolling out, so not all Insiders will see it right away. Whether you're already using Link to Windows and Phone Link or just getting started, this update is designed to make your cross-device experience more seamless, intuitive, and powerful.

A new home for connected experiences

We’ve reimagined the Link to Windows app as a connected PC experience hub — a central place where you can access, share, and control content between your Android phone and Windows PC.

• Recent activity: Quickly access your most recently received files and clipboard items of your PC.
• PC at a glance: Check your PC’s battery, and Wi-Fi status from your phone.
• Remote actions from Link to Windows:
  • Send files to your PC from within Link to Windows.
  • Lock your PC remotely when PC is connected.
  • Mirror your phone’s screen to your PC.

[caption id="attachment_178084" align="alignnone" width="335"] The refreshed Link to Windows experience on an Android phone.[/caption]

More intuitive onboarding for getting started

We’re updating the onboarding experience that lets you set up Link to Windows directly from your Android device — no PC required to get started. This helps you discover the value of connected experiences right away, with contextual permission prompts and a simplified setup with clear instructions on what to do next when you get to your PC. These features are designed to give you more control and flexibility, especially when you're away from your desk.

How to try out the refreshed Link to Windows experience on your Android phone

Here is how Windows Insiders can try out the new refreshed Link to Windows experience for their Android phone today:

1. Make sure you’re running the latest Windows Insider Preview build on your PC from any Insider Channel and Phone Link version is 1.25062.83.0 or higher.
2. Opt-in to the Link to Windows Beta from the Play Store.
3. Update the Link to Windows app from the Play Store and ensure the version is 1.25071.155 or higher.
4. Pair your Android phone to your PC from Link to Windows on your phone and Phone Link on your PC.
5. Finally, go to Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage devices and ensure you are logged in with the same Microsoft account as Link to Windows and see your Android phone listed and enabled.

Give feedback

Be sure to give us feedback and let us know what you think as you try out the refreshed Link to Windows experience:

• Directly from Link to Windows on your Android phone via Phone > Give Feedback > Link to Windows.
• Or by using Feedback Hub and submitting feedback under Devices and Drivers > Linked devices.

Thanks, Phone Link & Cross-Device Experiences Team

Hello Windows Insiders, Last year, we previewed the ability for existing Android connected users to access their Android device from the Start menu. We are excited to now bring you more improvements:

1. Easy set up for new users: Brand new users can now connect their Android or iPhone device to their PC from the Start menu.
2. Connected iPhone users can now access features from the Start menu.
3. Both Android and iPhone connected users can now share files across devices directly from the Start menu.

New users: Connect your Android or iPhone device

To get started, open the Start menu and select the device type (Android or iPhone) from the right-side pane. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device with the PC and start accessing your phone from the Start Menu in no time. [caption id="attachment_177563" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Connect your phone to Windows PC from the Start menu.[/caption]

Accessing iPhone experiences in Start menu

Connected iPhone users can now access their phone features directly from the Start menu. This seamless integration allows iPhone users to enjoy the same benefits as Android users, including ability to view phone’s battery status and connectivity, ability to access messages and calls, and keeping track of the latest activities, all conveniently integrated into the Start menu. [caption id="attachment_177565" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Access your iPhone from Start menu.[/caption]

Share Files between your Android or iPhone device and Windows PC from the Start menu

We previewed the ability to share files between your devices in December. Now, you can easily send files across your devices (Android/iPhone and Windows PC) right from the Start menu. Select “Send files” to begin transferring. [caption id="attachment_177564" align="alignnone" width="199"] Send files from your PC to phone from the Start menu.[/caption] Figure 3. Send files from your PC to phone from the Start menu. These features are gradually rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. They can be managed via Settings > Personalization > Start (support link). Requirements:

• Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 4805 and higher in Beta Channel and 26120.3000 and higher in Dev channel.
• Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher.
• Your PC must be signed in with a Microsoft account and must have Bluetooth LE capability.
• Not supported for PCs running Pro Education or Education SKUs.

FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Phone Link. Give it a try and let us know your feedback and suggestions. You can also join the conversation on our Windows Insider community forums and social media channels. Thanks, Windows Insider Program & Connected Experiences Teams