Microsoft has announced a significant adjustment to the Phone Link app on Windows PCs by transferring the Photos feature back to File Explorer. This move impacts users who relied on the app to view phone photos directly on their computers.
What Changed
The Photos feature of the Phone Link app will no longer be supported within the app itself. Instead, users will access their Android phone photos via the File Explorer on Windows. This update was highlighted by technology sources and is currently being implemented in the app.
- Microsoft shifts Phone Link Photos to File Explorer on 2025-11-07.
- File Explorer now provides access to phone photos on Windows PCs.
- Phone Link will continue to support SMS, calls, and app mirroring.
Performance and Use
While File Explorer can offer a conventional means of accessing files, some users found the integrated view of Phone Link convenient, especially when alternative syncing options like OneDrive were unavailable. However, Phone Link's lack of robust video support meant users often reverted to using File Explorer or the Windows Photos app for handling videos and archived media.
Implications for Users
This change aims to streamline the way users interact with their Android phone content on Windows, despite concerns of fragmenting the user experience. Users who frequently relied on the Photos feature within Phone Link may need to adjust to this new setup. Nevertheless, Microsoft continues to support other Phone Link functionalities, including SMS messaging, phone calls, and app mirroring.
