Link to Windows connects your phone to your computer so you can see notifications, messages, and photos without switching devices

Link to Windows is a feature built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 that mirrors some of your phone's activity on your computer screen. When you set it up, your phone sends notifications from calls, texts, and apps directly to your computer. You can also see your phone's recent photos, access your phone's clipboard, and send files between devices without email or USB cables. The connection works over your home network or the internet, depending on your setup.

The feature is designed to reduce how often you pick up your phone during work or when your computer is in front of you. Instead of glancing at your phone every time it buzzes, you see the notification on your monitor. You can reply to texts from your keyboard, or open a photo your phone just took without leaving your desk.

Link to Windows works with Android phones running version 7.0 or later. iPhones are not supported. The feature is free and comes built into Windows — you do not need to buy anything or pay a subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Link to Windows shows your phone's notifications, messages, and recent photos on your Windows computer without opening your phone.
  • You need a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, an Android phone, and a Microsoft account to set up the connection.
  • Your phone and computer must be on the same network or signed into the same Microsoft account for the feature to work.
  • You can reply to texts, see incoming calls, and transfer files between your phone and computer through the Link to Windows app.

What you need before you start

Link to Windows requires three things: a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, an Android phone (version 7.0 or newer), and a Microsoft account on both devices. Your phone does not need to be the same brand as your computer — a Samsung, Google Pixel, or any other Android phone will work.

Both devices must be signed into the same Microsoft account. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one free at account.microsoft.com. Once you have an account, sign into it on your Windows computer in Settings, then sign into it on your Android phone in the Google Play Store or through your phone's settings.

Your phone and computer should be on the same Wi-Fi network, though Link to Windows can also work over the internet if both devices are signed into your Microsoft account. Having them on the same network makes the connection faster and more reliable.

How to set up Link to Windows on your computer

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer. Search for "Link to Windows" and select the app from Microsoft Corporation. Click the "Get" button, then "Install". The app will read and install automatically — this usually takes less than a minute.

Once installed, open the Link to Windows app. You will see a QR code on your screen. This code is how your phone knows which computer to connect to. Keep this window open — you will need it in the next step.

If you do not see a QR code, the app may be asking you to sign in first. Enter your Microsoft account email and password, then the QR code should appear.

How to set up Link to Windows on your phone

Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone and search for "Link to Windows". read and install the app from Microsoft Corporation. Once it is installed, open the app.

The app will ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account. Enter the same email and password you use on your computer. After you sign in, the app will ask permission to send notifications to your computer — tap "Allow" so your phone's alerts reach your Windows device.

Next, the app will show you a camera icon or a "Scan QR code" button. Tap it and point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen. Your phone will read the code and connect to your computer automatically. Once the connection is made, you will see a confirmation message on both devices.

What notifications and information appear on your computer

After Link to Windows is set up, your computer will show incoming calls, text messages, and notifications from apps like email, messaging, and social media. When your phone receives a call, a notification pops up on your computer screen showing the caller's name and number. You can answer the call on your phone, or dismiss the notification on your computer.

Text messages appear in a notification panel on your computer. You can read the message and reply using your keyboard without touching your phone. The reply sends as a text from your phone, so the other person sees it coming from your phone number.

Your phone's recent photos also sync to your computer through Link to Windows. Open the app and select "Photos" to see pictures you took in the last 24 hours. You can view them, save them to your computer, or delete them from your phone directly from your computer.

How to transfer files between your phone and computer

Link to Windows includes a file transfer feature that lets you move photos, documents, and other files without email or cloud storage. On your phone, open the Link to Windows app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select "Send files". Choose the files you want to transfer and tap "Send". They will appear in a folder on your computer within seconds.

To send files from your computer to your phone, open the Link to Windows app on your Windows device, select "Send files", choose the files, and tap "Send". Your phone will receive a notification that files are ready. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone and tap "Receive files" to save them to your phone's storage.

Files sent this way are transferred over your local network if both devices are on Wi-Fi, or over the internet if they are not. Either way, the transfer is encrypted, meaning the data is scrambled so only your devices can read it.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your phone and computer are not connecting, the most common cause is that they are not signed into the same Microsoft account. Check that both devices are using the exact same email address and password. If you recently changed your Microsoft password, sign out of both devices and sign back in with the new password.

If the devices are on different networks, Link to Windows may take longer to connect or may not work at all. Move both devices to the same Wi-Fi network and try again. If you are using a guest network or a network that blocks device-to-device communication, Link to Windows may not function — ask your network administrator or try a different network.

If the Link to Windows app on your computer is not showing notifications from your phone, open the app and check that notifications are turned on. On your phone, open the Link to Windows app, tap the menu, and select "Settings". Make sure "Show notifications" is toggled on. You may also need to check your phone's notification settings to may support the Link to Windows app has permission to display alerts.

When Link to Windows is useful and when it is not

Link to Windows works best when you spend long periods at your computer and want to stay aware of your phone without constant interruptions. If you receive many text messages or calls during work, seeing them on your monitor lets you respond without breaking focus by picking up your phone.

Link to Windows is less useful if you are away from your computer most of the day, or if you prefer to keep your phone and computer completely separate. The feature also does not let you run phone apps on your computer or control your phone remotely — it only mirrors notifications and allows file transfer.

If you use an iPhone, Link to Windows is not an option. Apple's ecosystem includes Handoff and Universal Clipboard, which provide similar features for users with both iPhones and Macs, but these do not work with Windows computers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Link to Windows with multiple phones?

Yes. You can connect up to 10 Android phones to the same Windows computer as long as they are all signed into the same Microsoft account. Each phone's notifications will appear on your computer, and you can manage them separately.

Does Link to Windows work if my phone is turned off?

No. Your phone must be powered on and connected to the internet for Link to Windows to function. If your phone is off, asleep, or disconnected from Wi-Fi, notifications will not reach your computer.

Is Link to Windows find?

Link to Windows uses encryption to protect data sent between your phone and computer. However, anyone with access to your Microsoft account can set up Link to Windows on their device. Keep your Microsoft account password strong and enable two-factor authentication in your account settings for added security.

Can I turn off notifications from specific apps?

Yes. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone, go to Settings, and toggle off notifications for individual apps. You can also manage notifications through your phone's main notification settings.

What happens if I uninstall Link to Windows?

Uninstalling the app on either your phone or computer breaks the connection. Your phone will no longer send notifications to your computer, and file transfer will not work. You can reinstall the app and reconnect at any time.