Microsoft's New Windows 11 Update Enables PC-Android File Sharing

Windows 11 Optional August Update

Microsoft has unveiled an optional update for Windows 11, poised to enhance the user experience with a notable integration that facilitates file sharing between PCs and Android devices. This feature, reminiscent of Apple’s AirDrop, is designed to streamline the process of transferring content seamlessly across platforms.

The latest optional update for Windows 11 includes an integration that makes it easy to share files from a PC to an Android device. The integration, which relies on Phone Link, is similar to AirDrop within the Apple ecosystem. Users can install the optional update now or wait until the same changes make their way to general availability next month.

Windows Share

This update introduces the ability to share files directly from the Windows Share menu, provided that users have set up Link to Windows and Phone Link. While cross-device file sharing has been a feature for some time, this new integration promises a more intuitive experience, allowing for a two-way connection akin to AirDrop.

You can now share content to your Android device from the Windows Share window. To do this, you must pair your Android device to your Windows PC. Use the Link to Windows app on your Android device and Phone Link on your PC.

Narrator

This update enhances the responsiveness of scan mode, particularly beneficial when navigating large documents in Microsoft Edge. To activate scan mode, users must first enable Narrator (Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter) and then press Caps lock + Spacebar during a session.

Voice Access

Users can now dictate characters at a quicker pace and enjoy expanded editing options for commands that select, delete, and move text.

File Explorer

When using the shortcut Windows logo key + E, users may experience issues with screen reader focus.
Occasionally, pressing Ctrl + F may not initiate a search.
Keyboard focus might be lost when using Shift + Tab.
Screen readers may fail to announce actions taken in the Open or Save dialog breadcrumb.
Similarly, screen readers may not announce browsing activities within column headers.

The Widgets Board is also receiving updates aimed at enhancing security and improving APIs for widget creation, particularly for users in EEA regions. This update will see the Microsoft Start Experiences app powering the Microsoft Start widget and feed functionalities, alongside modifications to existing widgets that may temporarily affect their performance. It lays the groundwork for new widgets and features currently under development.

To access this optional update, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update to download Windows 11 build 22621.4112 or 22631.4112, depending on their current version. Alternatively, the update can be manually installed via the Microsoft Update Catalog. For those who prefer to wait, the same enhancements are expected to be rolled out to all users during September’s Patch Tuesday, allowing for a more leisurely upgrade experience.

How to update windows media player windows 11?

To update Windows Media Player on Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Open the Microsoft Store by searching for it in the Start menu. 2. Click on Library located in the lower-left corner. 3. Find Windows Media Player in the list of apps and click on the Update button if available. If no update button is shown, you already have the latest version installed.

Can I download Windows 11 updates manually?

Yes, you can download Windows 11 updates manually. Here’s how: 1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website. 2. In the search box, type the Knowledge Base (KB) number of the update you want to download. 3. Click on the Search button. 4. Find the update in the search results and click the Download button next to it. 5. Once downloaded, open the file to install the update manually.