Have you ever found yourself juggling between your phone and your computer, trying to respond to texts while working on a document? Or maybe you’ve emailed yourself a photo just to get it onto your PC? If that sounds familiar, Microsoft Phone Link might be the solution you didn’t know you needed.
Phone Link (formerly known as “Your Phone”) is a free app built into Windows 11 that bridges the gap between your Android or iPhone and your PC. It allows you to view and respond to texts, access photos, manage notifications, and even make calls—right from your computer.
Let’s walk through why it’s useful, how to install it, how to configure it, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of it.
Why Use Microsoft Phone Link?
Here are a few everyday scenarios where Phone Link shines:
- Texting While Working: Respond to SMS or iMessages without picking up your phone.
- Photo Transfers: Instantly access your phone’s photos on your PC—no cables or cloud uploads.
- Notification Management: See and dismiss phone notifications from your desktop.
- Calling from Your PC: Make and receive calls using your computer’s microphone and speakers.
- App Access (Android only): Launch and interact with mobile apps directly on your PC.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time on your computer and wants fewer interruptions, Phone Link is a game-changer.
Installing Microsoft Phone Link
On Your Windows 11 PC
Most Windows 11 PCs already have Phone Link installed. To check:
- Click Start, then type Phone Link.
- If it appears, you’re good to go. If not:
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for Phone Link.
- Click Install.
On Your Mobile Device
You’ll need the companion app:
- Android: Install Link to Windows from the Play Store.
- iPhone: Install Link to Windows app from the App Store (note: iOS support is more limited).
Setting It Up
Step 1: Launch Phone Link on Your PC
- Open the Phone Link app.
- Choose your phone type: Android or iPhone.
- You’ll be prompted to scan a QR code.
Step 2: Connect Your Phone
- Open the Link to Windows app on your phone.
- Scan the QR code shown on your PC.
- Grant permissions:
- Notifications
- Contacts
- Messages
- Photos
- Calls (optional)
Step 3: Finalize Setup
Once connected, you’ll see your phone’s name and status in the Phone Link app. You may need to adjust battery optimization settings on your phone to keep the connection stable.
Using Microsoft Phone Link
From Your PC
- Messages: Read and reply to texts. Android users can also send MMS.
- Photos: View recent photos and drag them into documents or emails.
- Notifications: See alerts from apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or banking apps.
- Calls: Make and receive calls using your PC’s audio.
- Apps (Android only): Open and interact with mobile apps in a window.
From Your Phone
- Link Status: Check if your phone is connected.
- Permissions: Adjust what data is shared.
- Battery Optimization: Disable it for the Link to Windows app to keep the connection alive.
Tips and Tricks
From the PC Side
- Pin Phone Link to Taskbar: Right-click the icon and choose “Pin to taskbar” for quick access.
- Drag and Drop Photos: You can drag images directly into Word, Outlook, or Teams.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Use Ctrl+Enter to send messages quickly.
- App Mirroring (Android): Use your mouse and keyboard to interact with mobile apps.
From the Phone Side
- Battery Settings: On Android, go to Settings > Battery > App optimization and exclude Link to Windows.
- Notification Sync: Make sure “Allow notification access” is enabled in your phone’s settings.
- Privacy Controls: You can toggle off access to messages or photos if needed.
Limitations to Know
- iPhone Support: As of now, iPhone integration is limited to messages, calls, and notifications. You won’t get app mirroring or photo access.
- Bluetooth Dependency: Calls require Bluetooth pairing between your PC and phone.
- Wi-Fi Recommended: For best performance, keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Phone Link is one of those features that quietly improves your workflow. Whether you’re replying to texts during meetings, grabbing a photo for a presentation, or just keeping your phone out of sight, it helps you stay focused and connected.
If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot. It’s free, easy to set up, and surprisingly powerful once you get used to it.