Microsoft Tests Deeper Phone Link Integration in Windows 11

Native smartphone integration could become a much bigger part of Windows 11 as Microsoft tests new ways to bring connected phone features directly into the operating system.

According to Windows Central, Microsoft is prototyping several features that would make Phone Link tools feel like native parts of Windows instead of features limited to a separate app.

The ideas remain in internal development. Microsoft could change, delay, or cancel them before any public release.

Start menu could show recent phone activity

Microsoft is reportedly expanding the Phone Companion panel inside the Windows 11 Start menu.

The updated panel could let users scroll through recent messages, photos, and other phone activity without opening Phone Link.

Hovering over an item may show more information, including a complete message or a larger image preview.

Windows 11 may get a taskbar phone flyout

Microsoft is also testing a dedicated smartphone flyout in the Windows 11 system tray, according to the report.

A phone icon could appear when Windows detects a connected smartphone. Clicking the icon would open a panel containing device information and quick controls.

Possible options include enabling Do not disturb, switching on vibrate mode, locating the connected phone, and changing other device settings.

Microsoft may also let users send files by dragging them onto the taskbar phone icon.

Clipboard history could sync across devices

Windows and connected phones can already sync the most recently copied item in some configurations.

Microsoft is reportedly exploring a more complete clipboard-history synchronization system. It could provide a shared list of copied text and other supported content across Windows 11 and a connected phone.

This would let users access several previously copied items instead of only the latest one.

Standalone Messages app reportedly in development

Microsoft is also developing a dedicated Messages app for Windows 11, Windows Central reports.

The app would synchronize SMS conversations from a connected smartphone. Users could read messages, send replies, and start new conversations with their contacts.

It would use Phone Link’s existing messaging technology but work as an independent app that users could launch or pin from Start.

Microsoft continues expanding Phone Link

Microsoft has not announced when, or whether, these features will reach Windows 11 users.

The company may first test them through the Windows Insider Program before deciding which ideas to release publicly.

Microsoft is also testing an option that lets users remove a PC directly from the Link to Windows mobile app. Meanwhile, some users have reported a Phone Link bug that causes unusually high RAM usage on certain PCs.