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 you’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 “Share,” and then choose “My Phone” or “Phone Link.” This integration makes file transfers quick and easy without additional apps or cables.
Microsoft’s evolving approach to smartphone-to-PC connectivity
This move is part of Microsoft’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.
Microsoft’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.
