Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro /
Follow : Add us as a preferred source on Google.
You normally need your smartphone to make phone calls, view text messages, and access your photos. But wouldn't it be convenient if you could do all those things and more on your Windows PC? Well, you can.
By pairing and syncing your Android phone with your Windows computer, you essentially unite the two. Your PC can then handle certain features and tasks from your phone -- a handy option if you're in front of your computer but your phone is out of reach.
Also: I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to extend its battery life by several hours
With your phone and PC paired through Microsoft's Phone Link app, you can use Windows to make and answer phone calls, read and respond to text messages, view photos on your phone, and receive notifications.
How to use Microsoft's Phone Link
Linking and syncing your Android phone with Microsoft's Phone Link works similarly in Windows 10 and 11, though there are some differences. Here, I'll cover the process specifically for Windows 11.
1. Check that the Phone Link app is installed
If you're running a relatively recent version of Windows 11, the Phone Link app should already be on your PC. To confirm, go to the Start menu and check the Apps section to see if it appears. If not, download and install it from the Microsoft Store.
Also: Your Android phone's most critical security feature is turned off by default - how to enable it ASAP
Next, click the shortcut for Phone Link. At the starting screen, select the button for Android.
Show more2. Pair with QR code
A QR code then pops up in Phone Link. Scan that code with your phone's camera and tap the corresponding link. That should take you to the Google Play page to install the Link to Windows app on your phone. After the installation is finished, open the app. Enter and then submit the code that appears in the Phone Link app in Windows. A message should then tell you that the devices are paired.
Show more3. Grant the app permission to access your information
Next, you'll need to grant Phone Link permission to access your contacts, make and manage phone calls, and send and view SMS messages.
You also may be asked if you want the phone app to refresh while running in the background, which can keep your texts and photos up to date but may chew into your battery charge. If this notification appears, either deny or allow the background refresh according to your preference.
Also: Transfer photos from your Android phone to your Windows PC - here are 5 easy ways to do it
Tap Done on your phone and Continue on your computer. Your phone and PC are now linked.
Show more4. Get started
A Welcome to Phone Link screen appears. If you want the app to automatically launch each time you load Windows, check the box for "Open Phone Link when you're signed into Windows." Click the Get Started button to proceed.
Show more5. Grant access to your content
As the final setup step, you'll need to give the Link to Windows app access to your files and notifications. Follow the prompts in Phone Link to do that.
Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and fix slow performance for good)
Show moreNow let's look at each of the tasks you can accomplish on your computer with your phone linked.
Send or receive a text message on your PC
Click the Messages heading at the top, and the latest text messages from your phone should appear. If not, click the Refresh icon next to the word Connection in the left pane.
Also: How to restart your Android phone without the power button: 2 easy ways
Select a text to read it. To respond, type your message at the bottom, and insert an emoji, GIF, or image to add some flair.
To create a new text, click the button for New Message. Type the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to text. Then compose your message and send it.
Make or take a call on your PC
For phone calls, click the heading for Calls, and then click Get started. You may be asked to enable Bluetooth on your phone. If so, allow the access and then complete the pairing by confirming the PIN. Next, click the button for Send permission to allow recent calls on your phone to appear in the Phone Link app on your PC.
Also: I use this hidden Android security feature to turn off sensors with one tap - here's why
Select a phone number for a recent call and click the Phone icon to call that number. To place a new call, type the name of a contact in the Contacts field or dial the number on the keypad.
Incoming phone calls will appear on your Android phone and in the Phone Link app on your PC, so you can answer them on either device. You don't need to keep the app open on your PC if you checked the option for it to start each time you sign in to Windows.
Access your photos
Click the heading for Photos. You should see all the recent photos you've shot on your Android phone. If not, click Refresh. Click a specific photo, and you can open it in the Photos app, copy it, save it, share it, or delete it.
View notifications
Next, you can check your phone's notifications on your PC. Click the Notifications icon on the left vertical toolbar. The first time you do this, you'll need to grant permissions via your phone. Your notifications then appear in the left pane.
View notifications.
Screenshot by Lance WhitneyManage settings
Finally, you can manage your linked phone in the Phone Link app. Click the Gear icon in the upper right. At the Settings screen, you can tweak different options for the various categories, enable copying and pasting between your phone and PC, and add or remove a linked phone.
Also: How to mirror your Android phone to your TV in 3 easy ways
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
Featured
-
The best products we tested in 2025: 's picks for phones, laptops, TVs, and more
-
The Windows Insider Program is a confusing mess
-
Best Black Friday deals under $100 2025: 20 sales out now
-
Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I compared the two Windows alternatives, and here's my advice