If you haven't tried it yet, Windows Phone Link is becoming an indispensable tool for Android users with PCs. Beyond syncing notifications, texts, and calls, Microsoft recently enabled using your phone as a webcam. However, the latest feature—integrating Android files directly into Windows File Explorer wirelessly—is a game-changer.

Connecting your Android phone to File Explorer allows you to view your smartphone files seamlessly alongside your PC files, OneDrive, and other storage. Previously possible only via USB, this new feature uses Phone Link for wireless management. You can open, copy, rename, move, and delete files between your Android and PC effortlessly.

Bluetooth file transfers and USB connections have always been cumbersome for me. Nearby Share never worked well either. This seamless wireless connectivity between my Android and PC files is exactly what I needed. It's now incredibly easy to transfer documents, music, pictures, and more between devices.

Currently, this feature is in beta for both Android and Windows. If you want to try it before the official release, follow the steps below.

Setting Up on Android:

1.

Ensure your device runs Android 11 or newer.

2.

Enroll in the Link for Windows app’s beta program via the Play Store. If the beta option is unavailable, it might be full or restricted in your region.

3.

Use Link to Windows version 1.24071 or higher. If it doesn't auto-update, download the APK and install it manually.

4.

Grant Link to Windows permission to access all your files. The app will prompt you when connecting your phone to your PC.

Setting Up on Windows:

1.

Enroll in one of the Windows Insider channels (beta, dev, etc.). Link your Microsoft account and select your preferred Insider channel via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Programme.

2.

Force Windows Update to migrate your system.

3.

Ensure Phone Link is set up and working. If removed, reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. Scan the QR code on your Android phone and accept the necessary permissions.

4.

Enable the “Show mobile device in File Explorer” setting under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices > Manage Devices. This option may take several hours to appear.

Once paired, your Android phone will appear in File Explorer’s list of connected storage, just above “This PC.” You can browse and manage files as if they were on your PC.

If your Android phone connects automatically, you can manage and transfer files as long as both devices are on the same network. If not, click “Offline” in the navigation bar to reconnect manually.

Note on Folder Layout:

Android’s folder structure can be confusing, depending on installed apps. Photos are under DCIM, while apps like WhatsApp create subfolders under Pictures, Movies, etc. Not all Android folders are visible in File Explorer, such as the app data folder, to prevent accidental changes.

Despite its beta status, setting up your Android phone to show in Windows File Explorer is worth the effort. However, if you don't frequently transfer files, you might want to wait for the public release, expected by the end of 2024.