You can remotely access your Android phone in Windows 11 incredibly easily now, thanks to this new update

Thanks to a new update, Microsoft has finally made it possible to access files on Android phones remotely from the PC. You no longer need to email files to yourself or deal with annoying cables.

In a blog post, the Redmond-based tech giant says users should join the Windows Insider Program and update their Android phone to Android 11. Additionally, your phone must have the Link to Windows app’s beta variant (version 1.24071 or newer).

Once these conditions are met, go to Settings on your Windows 11 PC and proceed towards Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices. Nowadays, in the Settings app on your phone, you should see an option for “Your Phone Companion.” Open it and follow the necessary steps to connect your phone and PC. Once finished, proceed to link your Microsoft account with both devices.

With this new experience, you will be able to wirelessly browse through all your folders and files, including media that is on your Android phone. You can open them, copy them to your PC, copy PC files to your phone, rename files, move them, and delete them.

Microsoft

As soon as this process is completed successfully, you will be able to manage devices. Find your Android phone here and toggle on its entry. This will display the toggle switch for showing your phone in File Explorer.

If you see this toggle switch, you are ready to use your phone app and all its features. If not yet visible in settings, please be patient because Microsoft is slowly rolling out this feature for everyone.

You can wirelessly browse all folders and files on your Android phone from a PC. You can open them, copy them back and forth, rename or move them, and delete as many as you like.

However, there are some known issues with it. Removing phone files from your PC places them in a fresh Recycle Bin folder on the phone that will continue to exist for five days – not 30, as stated in the dialog box. Microsoft is working on it, and they will soon be automatically deleted after 30 days. If some actions are not syncing to your phone, log out and log in again to your Windows account.

If you want to give feedback or report bugs, go to the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked Devices. This function is not just for your convenience but also shows Microsoft’s dedication to constantly improving its products so that our online world becomes more manageable.

Speaking of Insiders features, if you want to get a glimpse of Windows 11 24H2, you can do so by enlisting in the Windows Insider Program in the Release Preview Channel and downloading the latest KB5040529, which has the essential features that will come with this update.

Have you attempted accessing your Android phone files on your Windows 11 PC? What do you think?