Enter the email and then password for the account you wish to use.

Under ‘Sign in with Microsoft’, click ‘Sign in’.Click ‘Get started’ on the screen that appears.From your desktop, search for ‘Phone Link’ and click the relevant option.The process is roughly the same on Windows 10, although it does look slightly different: That’s it! Most functions are now available, although you’ll need to pair via Bluetooth and give further permissions for call access. Tap continue on your phone, then Continue on your desktop.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to enter a PIN instead

Accept any required permissions, then hold your phone up to the QR code on your computer to scan it.

You should see a message saying ‘Is the QR code on your PC ready?’.

Once complete, tap ‘Open’ and then ‘Link your phone and PC’

Download the app if it hasn’t been already.

You should be redirected to the Google Play Store

From the introductory screen, click ‘Get started’.

On your computer, search for ‘Phone Link’ and click the relevant option.

Once that’s taken care of, here’s what you need to do. Samsung’s latest S and Note series phones are supported, alongside the company’s foldables and both generations of Surface Duo. This aims to make the process of moving content or using mobile apps on the desktop feel seamless. However, only a select few phones include a ‘Link to Windows’ feature built directly into the device’s settings. You can also control quick settings, manage photos and run Android apps, although the latter is now natively supported in Windows 11. These include viewing and responding to notifications, making phone calls and sending texts. The current iteration of Phone Link allows you to remotely access many of your phone’s most popular functions. It’s not quite on the same level as Apple devices, but useful nonetheless. As the new name suggests, this offers an easy way to link your Android smartphone and Windows desktop. Available for Windows 11 and Windows 10, Phone Link is one of the apps that’s pre-installed when you buy a Windows laptop or PC.

App your phone companion