There is a bug going on with Phone Link that makes Windows 11 very slow

In the fast-moving technology world, where updates and bug fixes sometimes seem like a spinning top that never stops, people are now talking about a recent snag in Windows 11.

Picture this scenario: you quietly sit at your computer, hoping it will run smoothly, but suddenly discover an invisible power taking up to 10% of your CPU’s resources. This is not from some tech horror movie; this problem affects certain users on Windows 11 because of a bug in the Microsoft Cross Device Service.

This bug has caused significant distress for those Windows 11 users who utilize the Phone Link feature. Phone Link is designed to simplify life by connecting your phone with your PC.

Now, you may ask, “Why is this so important?” First, high CPU usage can cause your computer to slow down significantly. It makes simple activities feel frustratingly sluggish—imagine running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks.

Windows 11 users initially raised the problem about the Phone Link bug in Microsoft’s forums, and now engineers from Microsoft have confirmed it. They accept the issue and are looking for an answer. However, they haven’t found a solution yet.

Appreciate your patience, we’ve identified the cause and are working on a fix.

Microsoft

The main source of the problem appears to be related to the recent enhancements in Cross-Device Service. The service was made better to make sharing files between a PC and phone easier, but it seems these changes unintentionally caused CPU usage to rise. It’s a common situation where a good intention results in an unexpected outcome.

As critics have highlighted, the hiccup in Windows 11 Insider builds points towards a recurring problem. The suggestion is to halt and reassess Microsoft’s direction in Windows development. Using as much as 10% of a system’s CPU for a service, particularly when not actively used, doesn’t sound very efficient.

There is a short-term solution for people who do not want to be part of this technology test without their knowledge: turning off the Microsoft Cross Device Service. This may not be the best option for everyone, particularly those using the Phone Link function regularly. However, it can be a quick fix until Microsoft provides an official remedy.

This story shows us how important it is to find the right equilibrium between introducing fresh elements and ensuring a robust, smooth-running system. Microsoft feels pressure to fix these issues because Windows 10’s support is ending soon, and AMD has started reducing compatibility with Windows 10 in some of its latest CPUs.

We hope that Microsoft will not only fix this bug but also take a wider look at ensuring their updates add value without creating new user problems. Ultimately, isn’t technology here to simplify our lives, not more complex?