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.
