Thursday, 3 April 2025
26.2 C
Singapore
29.3 C
Thailand
21 C
Indonesia
26.9 C
Philippines

Windows 11 enhances iPhone collaboration with new file-sharing feature

Windows 11 introduces seamless file-sharing between iPhones and PCs with Phone Link and Link to Windows apps.

Microsoft is rolling out new file-sharing capabilities between iPhones and Windows 11, taking collaboration between the two devices to the next level. Users can seamlessly transfer files between their iPhones and Windows PCs through the Phone Link and Link to Windows apps. The feature is currently available for testing to Windows Insiders users, allowing them to try out the new functionality before it becomes widely available.

The feature is designed to make it easier to move files between devices, something that many users have requested. While Microsoft has yet to provide full details on the feature’s capabilities, it has released installation instructions for setting it up. If youโ€™re ready to try it, you must install the Phone Link for iOS app, which Microsoft launched last spring.

How to set up file-sharing between your iPhone and PC

You must first install the Phone Link for iOS app to enable file-sharing between your iPhone and Windows PC. If you still need to install it, your PC will prompt you to do so when you attempt to use the feature. Once set up, you must link the app to your PC by adding the following file: aka.ms/addAccount.

Once everything is in place, you can send files from your iPhone to your PC and vice versa. The process is simple. To send files from your iPhone to your PC, open the file or group of files you want to share, tap the share icon, and select “Link to Windows.” From there, choose the device you want to send the files to.

When sending files from your PC to your iPhone, locate the file or files you wish to share, right-click on them, select โ€œShare,โ€ and then choose โ€œMy Phoneโ€ or โ€œPhone Link.โ€ This integration makes file transfers quick and easy without additional apps or cables.

Microsoftโ€™s evolving approach to smartphone-to-PC connectivity

This move is part of Microsoftโ€™s broader efforts to improve smartphone-to-PC connectivity. Recently, the company phased out the Samsung DeX for PC feature in favour of Phone Link. Samsung DeX was once a key tool for connecting Samsung smartphones to Windows computers, but with the rise of Phone Link, which supports a broader range of devices, Microsoft has shifted its focus to this more inclusive solution.

Microsoftโ€™s Phone Link app is no longer limited to Samsung devices, as it now supports a variety of Android smartphones. This change marks a significant step in making the Windows ecosystem more versatile and accommodating for users of different devices. Meanwhile, Apple has also been working on its connectivity features, testing iPhone Mirroring in the macOS Sequoia public beta. This feature allows Apple users to mirror their iPhones to their desktops with a smooth user experience, reportedly surpassing Phone Link for iOS in performance.

As Apple and Microsoft continue to push for better integration between smartphones and desktops, these developments are setting the stage for more seamless and efficient work across platforms.

Hot this week

Chinese EV makers urged to expand globally despite tariff challenges

Chinese EV makers are urged to expand globally despite rising tariffs. Industry experts stress the need for overseas production and strategic partnerships.

Garmin launches premium Connect+ plan to boost health and fitness tracking

Garmin introduces Connect+ with AI insights, advanced training tools, and social features to help users reach their health and fitness goals.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Instagram introduces new speed-up feature for Reels

Instagram now lets you watch Reels at double speed, just like TikTok. The new feature helps you get through longer videos faster and easier.

China-aligned hacker group FamousSparrow resurfaces in cyberattacks

ESET finds China-linked hacker group FamousSparrow still active with upgraded tools, targeting institutions in the US, Mexico and Honduras.

Qualcomm expands AI research with MovianAI acquisition

Qualcomm has acquired Vietnamese AI research firm MovianAI to boost its AI development in smartphones, PCs, and software-defined vehicles.

Roblox introduces new parental controls to enhance child safety

Roblox introduces new parental controls, allowing parents to block games, restrict friends, and monitor their childโ€™s activity for better safety.

Anthropic introduces Claude for Education, a new AI chatbot plan for universities

Anthropic launches Claude for Education, an AI chatbot plan for universities that offers advanced learning tools and administration support.

Exabeam introduces Nova, an agentic AI that boosts cybersecurity operations

Exabeam unveils Nova, a proactive AI agent that boosts security team productivity and reduces incident investigation time by over 50%.

Related Articles