Microsoft has announced a change for Windows 11 users, requiring them to use File Explorer instead of the Phone Link app to view photos and media from Android phones. This shift aims to improve device support, though iPhone users will not receive similar capabilities.
Transition Details
Starting imminently, the Photos section in Phone Link will no longer function. Users will need to connect their Android devices through File Explorer to access media. Unlike Phone Link, File Explorer organizes photos based on folder structure, which can complicate finding recent images. The change affects the simplicity that Phone Link offered by aggregating images from various apps and services like WhatsApp and Telegram into a single view.
User Experience Challenges
File Explorer's integration with Android was first noted a year ago, but syncing issues persist. Some users report ongoing sync failures and discrepancies in photo organization. Microsoft suggests this move increases consistency across devices, but the potential for a less streamlined experience exists. To see Android devices in File Explorer, users need to adjust settings via Bluetooth & Devices under Manage mobile devices.
Future Implications
While Microsoft intends to provide broader capabilities and unlock support for more device types, users accustomed to Phone Link's seamless photo access may find the transition challenging. Without iPhone gallery support on the horizon, users should prepare for a reliance on File Explorer for Android media management.
