Microsoft Removes Photos Tab from Phone Link on Windows 11

Microsoft is removing the Photos tab from the Phone Link app on Windows 11, directing users to access photos via File Explorer instead.

Changes and Timing

• Microsoft: Removed Photos tab from Phone Link app.
• Location: Windows 11 users now access photos via File Explorer.
• Notification: Alert provided within Phone Link Photos tab.
• Rollout: Phased removal of Photos tab underway.

This transition centralizes photo management within File Explorer, enhancing user experience through features such as multi-select and drag-and-drop, absent in Phone Link.

Features and Impact

File Explorer's integration, launched last year, allows users to access not only photos but also videos stored on their devices. Features like multi-select, copy-paste, and drag-and-drop enhance the overall experience.

To enable these features, users must toggle "Show mobile device in File Explorer" by navigating to Settings > Bluetooth > Mobile devices > Manage devices.

The company highlights this shift as part of its ongoing effort to improve integration and functionality within its ecosystem.

Update: 17 Jun 2026