Microsoft offers linking your Android smartphones to your Windows PC through Your Phone companion app. This feature allows users to stream their Android apps to their PC via the Microsoft’s Your Phone app into a stand-alone window and also allows them to pin apps to the Windows taskbar or start menu, just like a regular desktop app.
Key Features
- See a list of your installed Android apps directly within the Your Phone app.
- Add your frequently used apps to the favorites section or search among your apps for even quicker access.
- Launch any mobile app directly from your PC.
- Apps and your mirrored phone screen launch in a separate window on your PC.
- Pin your mobile apps to Windows Taskbar or Start menu.
- Stay in the know by keeping an eye on the app notification badging (unread notifications) in the All apps list or your Favorites.
Recommended requirements
- PC running Windows 10 April 2018 Update or later. You’ll find the Your Phone app preinstalled if you have the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
- Available on select Android phones running Android 7.0 or greater.
- Phone and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
NOTE: Your Phone app currently does not support organizational (work) accounts.
Known Issues/Limitations:
- Some apps might block the ability to cast to other screens and you will see a black screen instead.
- Some games and apps might not respond to interactions from your PC mouse or keyboard. You will need to use a touch-enabled PC to interact with them.
- Audio from apps will play from your mobile device.
- Ability to run multiple apps will roll out later in the year.
1- For Android Phones (other than selected Samsung smartphones):
On your PC:
- In the search box on the taskbar, search for your phone and select the Your Phone app from the results.
- You’ll be asked to sign into your Microsoft Account. You’ll need to sign in to the same Microsoft account on your phone and PC to link your devices.
On your Android phone:
- Open a browser on your phone, type in www.aka.ms/yourpc and download the Your Phone Companion app. For select Samsung devices, you’ll be prompted to open Link to Windows instead.
- Install Your Phone Companion and open the app.
- Follow the guided setup process. If prompted to sign into the Your Phone Companion app, be sure to use the same Microsoft Account you’re using on your PC.
2- For Samsung smartphones:
Microsoft has partnered with Samsung for a seamless link between Windows PC and Samsung android phones. Samsung users will find a Link to Windows app preinstalled on their phones. Link to windows can currently stream only one app at a time. However Microsoft said that Galaxy Note 20 users will experience running multiple apps side by side with an update pushed into Your Phone app later this year.
How to link Samsung devices with Your Phone app on PC?
- On your PC:
- In the search box on the taskbar, type your phone and select Your Phone from the results.
- You’ll be asked to sign into your Microsoft Account.
- Follow the on screen instructions.
One your Android phone:
- Swipe downwards from the top of your screen to reveal your Android Notification panel.
- Tap Link to Windows.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft Account you’re using on your PC.
- When prompted, tap to allow permissions.
The name of your Windows 10 PC will appear below Link to Windows when a successful link has been made.
List of Samsung smartphones supporting Link to Windows feature:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Samsung Galaxy Note10
- Samsung Galaxy Note10+
- Samsung Galaxy Note10 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Samsung Galaxy A8s
- Samsung Galaxy A30s
- Samsung Galaxy A31
- Samsung Galaxy A40
- Samsung Galaxy A41
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy A50s
- Samsung Galaxy A51
- Samsung Galaxy A60
- Samsung Galaxy A70
- Samsung Galaxy A70s
- Samsung Galaxy A71
- Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A80
- Samsung Galaxy A90s
- Samsung Galaxy A90 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip