Microsoft is enhancing the integration between Windows PCs and Android phones by introducing a streamlined file-sharing feature in the Windows Insider Preview. This new functionality allows users to share files directly from their Windows PC to an Android phone through a seamless process embedded in the share window.
How It Works
To utilize this feature, users need to pair their Android phone with their Windows PC using the Link to Windows app on Android and the Phone Link app on Windows. Once paired, selecting the “Share” option on a file will display the Android phone in the share window, enabling quick and easy file transfer. This integration reduces the complexity often associated with cross-platform file sharing, providing a smoother experience for users.
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Availability
Currently, this feature is available exclusively to members of the Windows Insider program as part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3785. While it is in the beta stage, it is expected that after gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments, Microsoft will roll out this feature to all Windows 11 users. However, there is no indication yet whether this feature will be extended to iPhone users.
Additional Updates
The latest preview build also includes several other updates and improvements. Enhancements to the Windows Spotlight feature aim to simplify changing images and engaging with the Windows Spotlight experience on the desktop. Additionally, there are various fixes for known issues, including resolving a problem where the taskbar failed to appear for some users and improvements to screen reader functionality.
Microsoft continues to support file sharing between Android devices and PCs through the cross-device copy-and-paste feature within the Phone Link app, which is available on select devices like the Surface Duo, Samsung, Honor, Oppo, and Asus.
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In addition to the file-sharing capabilities, Microsoft is working on further improving the Phone Link app. A report from Windows Central indicated that the app will soon include an optical character recognition (OCR) feature, allowing users to copy text from images. This enhancement aims to provide a more seamless integration between Windows PCs and smartphones, making it easier for users to manage their devices.