Microsoft has been on a roll this week, releasing new Windows 11 Insider builds for the Beta, Canary, and Release Preview channels. But the Insider team is not stopping there. In a recent announcement, Microsoft revealed a new release specifically for Windows Insider program members who also own an Android smartphone and are using Windows 11.
In a blog post, Microsoft shared that this update will enable users to remotely access files on their Android phones from their Windows PCs. Users will have the ability to browse through folders and files, including media, on their Android devices. They can open, copy, rename, move, and delete files between their PC and phone seamlessly.
Prerequisites and Setup
However, there are some prerequisites for this feature to work. Users must have a Windows 11 PC, be part of the Windows Insider program, and have an Android device running Android 11 or higher. Additionally, they need to have the beta version of the Link to Windows app installed on their Android phone, with version 1.24071 or higher.
To enable this new experience, users can navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices on their PC and select “Manage devices” to allow access to their Android phone. Once set up, a toggle will appear in File Explorer to display the phone’s contents. If the toggle is not visible, it means the feature has not yet rolled out to that user.
Known Issues and Workarounds
As with any new feature, there are some known issues that Microsoft is working to address. For instance, deleted phone files on the PC are moved to a new Recycle Bin folder on the phone, which currently retains files for 5 days instead of the indicated 30 days. Microsoft is updating this to ensure automatic deletion after 30 days. Additionally, there may be syncing issues between PC and phone files, but logging out and back in on the PC can serve as a temporary workaround.
Windows Insider program members can provide their feedback on the Android remote file access feature by accessing the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Devices and Drivers > Linked devices.
