In typical Microsoft fashion, the company recently rolled out a silent update that improved a Windows feature. This time, it integrated a dedicated Phone Link (previously Your Phone) panel within the Start menu. This came as a surprise to many—including me. Even though I never used Phone Link extensively, I decided to give it one more try, as it was already being shoved in my face.
And as it turns out, I really liked it. Especially since it was right here in my Start menu—one click away. And the more I used it, the more it took over, especially because of these features that really changed how I use my phone while using my Windows PC.
Notification Syncing
Alerts at a glance
Once you connect your phone to Windows 11 using the Phone Link software, each of your phone notifications will also pop up on your Windows PC. You can easily read, dismiss, or respond to the messages right from the Windows notification pane, Start menu Phone Link controls, or from the pop-up itself.
This feature helps me stay focused on my tasks and avoid distractions while working on my PC. With just a glance, I can quickly determine if a notification is worth my attention. Even if it’s essential, I don’t need to pick up my phone; I can respond to notifications directly from my PC.
Phone calls and messaging
Attend to my contacts on one device
With Phone Link on Windows 11, I can easily make or receive both calls and text messages on my laptop. This makes communication much more streamlined and allows me to use my Windows PC as an all-in-one hub. Unfortunately, even if your phone supports RCS messaging, Phone Link will still send and receive texts via SMS, as Phone Link lacks RCS functionality.
Setting up the calling feature with Phone Link does take a few steps, but it’s worth the hassle. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step guide within Phone Link settings, and your calls will be on your PC.
You need to keep Bluetooth enabled on both your PC and phone for the call feature to work properly.
Photo access
Keep the gallery at hand
Photo access is another great feature I have been using regularly since I started using the Phone Link. It allows me to see the last 2,000 images and screenshots within my phone’s gallery. Not only can I view them, but I can also copy and delete images within my gallery without needing to connect my phone using a cable. There’s no need to use a Phone Link alternative to access this functionality, either.
After the initial setup, it takes a minute or two to load all 2,000 images into the gallery. Once done, the experience is much faster since Phone Link keeps syncing the latest pictures and screenshots to your computer. You can perform actions like viewing, copying, and deleting once the syncing process is complete.
And don’t worry—if you have images hidden or in a private space, Phone Link won’t sync or show them. This ensures you get access to all the necessary photos, while keeping your private media safe.
Multi-device support
No worries if you have multiple phones
Phone Link allows simultaneous connections to multiple phones (including iPhones) so you can access their calls, messages, and notifications effortlessly. If you have several devices linked, select your preferred one in the app to switch between them without disruption.
The iPhone setup requires similar steps compared to Android—scanning a QR code with your camera, pairing via Bluetooth, and enabling permissions for notifications, contacts, and sync—but it’s all a one-time effort. Once complete, you won’t need to repeat the process, making it ideal for ongoing use across your Windows PC with Android and iOS devices.
Device overview and phone controls
Device status at a glance, anywhere
One more underrated feature that often goes unnoticed, despite being in plain sight, is that you can quickly check key phone details with just a click from your Windows PC on any screen. These include your phone’s battery level, Bluetooth status, Wi-Fi connection, and mobile data signal. While this might seem minor, it proves incredibly useful for keeping tabs on your device without constant interruptions.
Once connected, you can even remotely toggle Do Not Disturb mode or mute the ringer, making a real difference when you’re deep into work and your phone won’t stop buzzing. Open Phone Link and silence it in seconds, so you can maintain focus.
Phone Link has evolved from overlooked to essential
Since its seamless integration into the Start menu, Phone Link has earned a permanent spot in my essential Windows apps lineup. It lets me stay focused on work while monitoring my phone’s updates—without the chance of distractions.
Phone Link supercharged my device ecosystem, even though Windows and Android aren’t made by the same company. If you haven’t tried Phone Link yet, I’d strongly recommend it; this update could really improve your daily workflow.
