Microsoft’s Phone Link Feature May Add Android Phones Into File Explorer

Currently, the Phone Link app found in Windows 10/11 PCs allows you to connect a smartphone and enable features like calls, image access, and even clipboard sync. In a coming update, Microsoft may enable Android smartphones to connect its file manager directly to Windows File Explorer (though this feature is limited to Windows 11 only).

Phone Link Gets Deeper Integration

@PhantomOfEarth on X (Twitter) has spotted a new toggle in the Windows 11 settings (under Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile devices > Manage mobile devices) that allows all files to be shown on the PC as if the smartphone is physically connected via a cable. Of course, you’ll have allow certain file access permissions for this to work.

On paper, this should make file transfers a lot easier for those already familiar with Android’s file system, and it saves the hassle of connecting via a USB cable or through a separate app that may not necessarily have the integration like this feature does.

That being said, the image is the only hint we have regarding this feature, and it’s currently unclear how far has this feature gone through Microsoft’s development channels. Windows 11 has thus far supports accessing smartphone’s cameras as webcams through the same settings page.

Source: XDA

Pokdepinion: I can see this being a very convenient feature for power users.