You may remember that a while back we reported on a handy feature hidden in test builds of Windows 11 that allowed users to see and use their phone in the desktop OS (in File Explorer) as if it were an external drive. We’ve been patiently waiting for this feature to finally show up somewhere, and it looks like the time has finally come!
In a official blog postMicrosoft has announced that it is gradually rolling out the feature to Windows testers with Android phones through its various Insider channels (there are four of them, from Canary to Release Preview).
This means that for now, only a limited number of Windows 11 testers will be able to try out the feature. The important thing is that Microsoft is working on releasing this feature. It could be available to all users soon.
This feature lets you browse files and folders, including photos and videos, on your Android phone right in File Explorer on the Windows 11 desktop. You can also perform all the usual file-related actions (open, rename, move, delete, etc.) across devices.
In the blog post, Microsoft explains that this feature works wirelessly, so you’ll see it in File Explorer when your phone is near your PC. (Assuming you’ve enabled the “Access in File Explorer” functionality in “Manage mobile devices” in Settings.)
When can I get this?!
Unfortunately, since it’s still in development, the only way to try out the feature is by joining the Windows Insider Program. As a tester in a Windows 11 preview channel, you can experiment with new features and fixes that Microsoft is currently working on — like this one — and provide feedback to help make those features more reliable.
In addition to being a Windows 11 tester, you will need to be running the beta version of the Link to Windows app (v1.24071 or later) on an Android 11 (or better) smartphone to get this feature. Again, keep in mind that not all testers will have it right away.
Most people, however, will want to wait until this functionality rolls out to the finished version of Windows 11 – though normally we’d add a caveat at this point that not every feature in the testing phase will make it to release. But since Microsoft has a blog post dedicated to the topic, with detailed instructions on how it works, we’re a little more confident that this is a change that won’t be abandoned.
If you do go ahead and join the ranks of those testing Windows 11, please be aware that, as with any feature still in development, things can go wrong – and in this case, that could mean things going wrong with your Android phone, and potentially your PC as well. So if you’re super keen to try out this particular addition to Windows 11, we’d recommend staying away from any important files or photos and making sure you back everything up before trying it out. If you have any doubts or concerns, simply wait for the full release to all Windows 11 users.