Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that enables users to access their Android phones through File Explorer. This functionality, currently available to Windows Insiders, allows seamless wireless browsing of all folders and files on Android devices. Users can open, copy, transfer, rename, move, and delete files directly from their PCs, providing a more efficient file management experience compared to the Phone Link app.
How to Access Your Android Phone in File Explorer
The new feature integrates Android devices as regular USB devices in File Explorer. This means you can manage your files on the phone as you would with any other external storage device. This setup makes file transfers quicker and more intuitive.
Requirements:
To use this feature, you need:
- An Android phone running version 11 or higher.
- The Beta version of the Link to Windows app (version 1.24071 or higher) installed on the phone.
- Enrollment in the Windows Insider Program, running Windows 11, and participation in any of the four Insider Channels.
Setup Instructions:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices.
- Select “Manage devices” and grant your PC access to the Android phone.
- A toggle to show the phone in File Explorer will appear. If it doesn’t, the feature might not yet be available for your device.
Known Issues
Microsoft has identified some issues during this testing phase:
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- Deleting files from the phone using the PC moves them to a Recycle Bin folder on the phone, where they stay for five days instead of the indicated 30 days. This will be corrected in a future update to ensure a 30-day automatic deletion.
- Deleted files in the Recycle Bin folder on the phone might not always appear in File Explorer. This issue will be addressed in an upcoming update.
- Occasionally, operations on phone files from the PC may not sync back to the phone. Logging out and back into the Windows account on the PC can serve as a temporary fix.
Availability
The Windows Insider Program Team has announced that this feature is gradually rolling out to Windows Insiders with Android phones across all Insider Channels. This gradual rollout means some users might have access before others.
This new feature in Windows 11 is a significant step forward in improving the integration between Windows PCs and Android devices. By allowing easy and quick access to Android files directly from File Explorer, Microsoft is enhancing user convenience and productivity. Keep an eye out for this feature as it becomes more widely available, and enjoy a more seamless experience managing your files across devices.
