Microsoft is developing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows Android smartphones to wirelessly access files through File Explorer, making it easier to communicate between devices.
Android and Windows integration
New Microsoft feature
Microsoft has begun testing an innovative method for accessing Android smartphones directly from Windows 11's Windows Explorer. Windows Insider members are already able to try out this new functionality that allows wireless access to folders and files on devices running Windows 11. Android system.
Ease of use
Integration into Explorer allows you to display your Android device similar to a standard USB drive on the left side of the panel. This greatly simplifies the processes of copying, moving files between a computer and an Android smartphone, as well as renaming or deleting them. This method is significantly faster than using the existing Phone Link application.
Requirements to use
To use this feature, you must have an Android 11 or later device, a Windows Insider program, and a beta version of the Link to Windows app. The new feature has become available in all four Windows Insider channels, including Release Preview, which indicates a high level of its readiness. All Windows 11 users are expected to be able to take advantage of this innovative feature soon.
Function activation
To activate this Explorer feature, you need to go to the "Settings" section, then select "Bluetooth and devices", then "Mobile devices" and open "Manage devices". This will allow the computer to establish a connection with the Android smartphone. In the window that appears, a toggle will be available to enable access through Explorer, along with the usual options for notifications and camera access.
Glossary
- Microsoft is an American technology corporation and software developer
- Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google
- Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows operating system from Microsoft
- Windows Insider - Windows pre-release testing program
- Phone Link - Microsoft's app for connecting Windows to mobile devices
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Answers to questions
Which Is Microsoft testing a new feature for Windows 11?
What benefits does the new feature of integrating Android devices into Windows Explorer provide?
What are the requirements to use the new feature?
When is this feature expected to be widely released to all Windows 11 users?
How to enable the new Android device sharing feature in Windows Explorer?
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Discussion of the topic – Windows 11 and Android: A revolution in accessing smartphone files through Explorer
Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to directly access Android smartphone files through File Explorer. This integration makes it easy to share files between PC and phone, making your Android device look like a regular USB device in the Windows interface.
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Olivia
Wow, this is a really cool feature! 😍 Now you can easily transfer files between your phone and computer without unnecessary wires. I wonder how fast this works in practice?
Hans
Yes, Olivia, that sounds promising! I've been waiting for this feature for a long time. I hope it will work stably and without bugs. Has anyone already tested it?
Sophie
I haven't tried it yet, but I really want to! 🤩 Hans, you're right about stability. I wonder how this will affect the phone battery? I hope it won't put her down too much.
Diego
Guys, I already tested it! It works quite quickly, even with large files. Sophie, it doesn’t affect the battery much, but it’s better not to keep it on all the time. Olivia, transfer speed varies depending on Wi-Fi, but is generally faster than USB.
Viktor
Again another unnecessary function. Why is this even necessary when there is a regular USB cable? It will only drain the battery and create additional safety problems. It would be better if Microsoft did something really useful.
Chiara
Viktor, don't be such a grump! 😄 This is convenient when you don’t have a cable at hand. As for security, Microsoft has probably thought of everything. Diego, thanks for the feedback! What about deleting files? Does it work without glitches?
Diego
Chiara please! 😊 Everything is ok with deletion, it works as usual in Explorer. By the way, renaming is also no problem. The only thing is that sometimes there are slight delays when updating the list of files, but I think this will be fixed.
Olivia
Guys, did you notice that this only works with Android 11 and later? 🤔 I wonder if Microsoft plans to extend support to older versions? It would be great!