New Windows 11 feature lets you wirelessly browse your phone’s filesystem directly within File Explorer

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What you need to know

  • Microsoft has announced a new feature that lets you browse your phone’s filesystem directly in the Windows File Explorer.
  • It enables the ability to view, copy, edit, and paste files to and from your Android device wirelessly.
  • The feature is now in preview and will begin rolling out in the coming weeks.

As a seasoned tech analyst with years of experience under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for new innovations that make our digital lives easier and more connected. Microsoft’s latest announcement is right up my alley: the ability to browse an Android phone’s filesystem directly in Windows File Explorer.

Microsoft has unveiled a new capability for Windows 11, allowing you to access the file system of your Android device wirelessly in the File Explorer without needing physical connection. This innovation is currently accessible through the Windows Insider Program and is scheduled for release to the general public within the upcoming weeks.

Last month, a new feature was identified in pre-release versions of Windows Insider. Now, it’s being introduced to testers across all four Windows Insider channels. This functionality is compatible with Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 24H2 that run the most recent preview builds. To utilize this feature on your Android device, you need to install the latest beta version of Link to Windows application.

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To configure this functionality, you can access it through the Windows Settings interface. Specifically, go to “Settings” and then select “Bluetooth & devices” and afterwards “Mobile Devices.” Once there, choose “manage devices” for setup. Please note that this feature is distinct from the Windows Phone Link application which deals with messages, notifications, and images.

After setting up the connection between your computer and phone, you will notice the label of your mobile device appearing in the File Explorer sidebar. By clicking on it, you’ll gain access to all the locally stored files, documents, images, and videos on your handset. Additionally, you can check the amount of used and available storage space on your phone with ease.

Microsoft describes the feature as follows:

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Using this latest encounter, you will gain the ability to wirelessly access and navigate through all your folders and documents, even media stored on your Android device. You can then open, transfer files to your computer, send files from your PC to your phone, rename files, shift their locations, and eliminate them as needed.

With the feature still in its preview stage, it’s important to note that there are some identified problems. The primary concerns involve the deletion of files, which may not be permanently removed but instead sent to a recycling bin folder on your device. For a comprehensive list of these issues, please refer to the official blog post.

Microsoft has unveiled several new features in recent months to enhance the connection between your computer and your phone. Among these innovations is the capability to view your phone’s file system using Windows File Explorer. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a new Start menu feature that displays your phone’s status and notifications, as well as enabling you to use your phone’s camera as a webcam on your PC.

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2024-07-26 16:10