Last year, the Windows 11 Start menu got a new Phone Link sidebar, which offers a quick and easy way to interact with your connected Android smartphone. The iOS support was promised to come later. Finally, in the latest Phone Link update for Windows Insiders, Microsoft has added integration with iPhones.
When a user connects their mobile device to a computer using Phone Link, a dedicated companion panel appears next to the Start menu. This panel provides a brief overview of the smartphone's status, including battery level, connection stability, received notifications, and recent call history. Furthermore, it allows file transfers between devices.
Significantly, iPhone users can also leverage Phone Link to access these features, including file sharing with Windows devices through AirDrop technology.
The feature is currently available to some Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. You can always turn off the feature in Settings > Personalization > Start.
The Windows Insider team highlights the following options of the Phone Link companion pane.
- Easy setup for new users: Now you can connect your smartphone, whether Android or iPhone, to your computer directly from the Start menu.
- iPhone owners can now access the Link to Phone features from the Start menu.
- Added the ability to exchange files between your computer and a connected smartphone from the Start menu. The feature works on both Android and iPhone.
Connecting a smartphone to a PC
To try out the feature, open the Start menu and select your device type (Android or iPhone) in the right sidebar. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to your computer and start using the sidebar in the Start menu.
iPhone support
iPhone owners can now access the Link to Phone app features from the Start menu. This seamless integration gives iPhone users the same benefits already available to Android smartphone owners, including the ability to view the phone's battery and connection status, access messages and calls, and track recent activity.
File Sharing Between Android/iPhone and PC
In December, Microsoft introduced the ability to share files between your phone and PC in the Link to Phone app. Now you can use this feature right from the Start menu. To do this, click the Send files button to start transferring data.
System requirements
- Windows 11 Build 22635.4805 (Beta channel) or Windows 11 Build 26120.3000 (Dev channel).
- Phone Link app version 1.24121.30.0 or higher.
- You must sign in with a Microsoft account.
- The computer must support Bluetooth LE technology.
- Pro Education and Education editions are not supported.
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options: