Microsoft Rolls Out Android Smartphone Visibility in Windows 11 File Explorer for Wireless Browsing

Microsoft is rolling out a brand new function for the Windows 11 File Explorer via its Insider Channels, the corporate introduced on July 25. With its introduction, customers will now be capable to see their Android smartphones within the File Explorer when it’s linked wirelessly by way of the Link to Windows app. This improvement builds upon a earlier server-side function addition for Android smartphones which lets customers ask Copilot, Microsoft’s synthetic intelligence (AI) chatbot, to ship a textual content message or summarise messages of their handset’s inbox.

Windows 11 File Explorer Update

In a weblog post, Microsoft introduced that the brand new function for Windows 11 File Explorer is on the market throughout all Windows Insider channels to customers registered as Windows Insiders. By connecting their Android smartphones wirelessly to their PCs by way of the Link to Windows app, customers can flick thru their information, folders and media situated on their handset from the File Explorer.

Android Smartphone Visibility in Windows 11 File Explorer
Photo Credit: Microsoft

In addition to looking capabilities, they’ll open, rename and delete information from their gadget, whereas additionally transferring/copying them from their PC to their smartphone or vice versa. However, there are a number of conditions for utilizing this function.

How to Use It

According to Microsoft, the person ought to:

1. Have a smartphone operating on Android 11.0 or greater firmware
2. Have the beta model of the Link to Windows app put in on the cellphone (model 1.24071 and better)
3. Be registered on the Windows Insider Program with the PC operating on Windows 11
4. Have opted for any of the 4 Windows 11 Insider channels

Once the aforementioned situations are fulfilled, customers can go to Settings on their PC after which to the Bluetooth & gadgets tab. Next, they need to choose the Mobile Devices possibility and provides permission for the PC to entry their Android smartphone. A toggle to allow its visibility in File Explorer ought to then seem.

According to Microsoft, if customers can’t see this selection, then the function might have but to roll out to them. Although it has been launched, it’s nonetheless beneath testing. Thus, customers might encounter points whereas utilizing this function. Some recognized points embrace syncing issues, a non-working automated deletion function and extra.