Even though Microsoft has phased out the Windows Subsystem for Android, the company continues to enhance the integration between Windows and Android devices. In 2024, several new features have been introduced to improve this connection, such as using Android devices as webcams for Windows 11 and adding the ability to make calls and send texts directly from the start menu. One of the latest updates is a feature in the Phone Link app that allows users to send files directly from a Windows PC to an Android phone. Now, Microsoft is making it even easier to access your phone's files on your Windows device.
Accessing Android Files on Windows
Microsoft announced in a recent blog post that it is testing a new feature that enables users to access files on their Android phones directly through File Explorer on Windows. With this integration, your Android device will appear like another USB device on the left side of File Explorer. This means you can browse, copy, move, rename, and delete files on your Android device directly from your Windows PC.
How to Get the New Feature
However, this new feature is not yet available to all Windows 11 users. To access it, you need a device that is part of the Windows Insider program and the beta version of the Link to Windows app (version 1.24071 and higher) installed on your Android phone. Fortunately, the feature is also available in the "Release Preview" version of the Windows Insider channels, indicating that it will soon be rolled out to all Windows 11 users.
Steps to Enable the Feature
Image Credit: Microsoft
If you are part of the beta program and want to start using this feature, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings on your Windows PC.
- Click on Bluetooth & devices.
- Select Mobile Devices.
- Click on the Manage Devices section to allow your PC to access your Android phone.
- You will see a toggle to show your phone in File Explorer. Turn it on.
This will enable you to see and manage your Android phone's files directly from your Windows PC.
What to Do If You Don't Have the Feature Yet
If you don’t see this feature yet, don’t worry. It is not available to all Windows beta users at the moment, but it is expected to be widely available soon. Microsoft is gradually rolling out this feature, and it should be accessible to all Windows 11 users in the near future.
Conclusion
Microsoft continues to innovate and improve the integration between Windows and Android devices. These new features make it more convenient for users to manage their Android devices directly from their Windows PCs. By enabling features like using an Android device as a webcam and integrating calls and texts into the start menu, Microsoft is enhancing the user experience and making cross-device functionality more seamless. Keep an eye out for these updates and enjoy the enhanced connectivity between your devices.