Mishal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Microsoft is gradually rolling out Android storage integration into Windows 11 and 10.
- PC users will now be able to see files on their Android smartphones in File Explorer without having to connect via USB.
- You can now manage files on your phone from your PC and seamlessly move files between your PC and Android.
Microsoft has long been working on ways to bring Android closer to Windows. The Phone Link app is a great example, allowing you to do everything from making calls to viewing Android notifications on your PC. In a step that takes this connection even further than before, we’re integrating Android storage into Windows 11 and 10.
According to Latest version of WindowsMicrosoft is rolling out an update that integrates Android smartphone storage into File Explorer. Previously, this feature was only available to Windows 11 testers, but now Microsoft is releasing the integration to everyone, including Windows 10 users. This appears to be rolling out in stages, so you may not see changes immediately.
If you have the upgrade, you’ll now see your phone’s name in the left sidebar of File Explorer without first connecting your phone via USB or phone link. The name of your device will appear above the “This PC” option. Clicking on the shortcut will open your handset’s storage, just as if you were using a USB cable.
This integration allows you to freely move files on your phone, view files, and seamlessly transfer files between your PC and Android. When you delete a file on your phone, the file will appear in a new Trash folder on your phone. These files will be permanently deleted after 30 days. Additionally, you will be able to search for specific files on your phone using the Windows Search feature in the taskbar.
To integrate Android storage, you must first meet a few requirements. Here’s what you need:
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of Windows 11 and 10. Since this is a feature, it also requires:
- Open Microsoft Store[ダウンロード]Go to tab and update Cross-Device Experience Host to the latest version.
- You’re running Android 11 or newer and must have the Link to Windows app on Android version 1.24071 or newer.
- go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices Check if your phone is linked to your PC. (Windows 10 users can find mobile devices directly on the Settings homepage.)
Being able to integrate Android storage without the need for Phone Link or USB is a great upgrade that we’re looking forward to using. Please note that this upgrade is being rolled out in stages, so you may not have gotten it yet. This news comes on the heels of earlier reports about issues with Phone Link.
