2024-08-15 15:22:09
Sharing files between a PC running Windows 11 or 10 and an Android smartphone or tablet is becoming much easier and faster. Microsoft is rolling out a feature inspired by Apple’s AirDrop, and we explain how it works.
iPhone and Mac users know this well; AirDrop is a very convenient feature for sharing content seamlessly between devices. Unfortunately, there isn’t really a native equivalent for Windows and Android users. There are third-party solutions, but they are not always very effective. The good news is that the situation should soon improve.
Microsoft has started rolling out a feature that simplifies file sending to and from a Windows PC and an Android mobile. Users enrolled in the Release Preview channel of the Windows Insiders program already have access to this option. This is the test version closest to a stable release, even more developed than a beta version. All eligible users should soon benefit from it.
A Windows 11 or 10 PC with Phone Link is sufficient
Just like with AirDrop, it becomes possible to send files and content from one device to another effortlessly using the native sharing feature of each system. To do this, you need the Phone Link app on your Windows PC and the Link to Windows app on your Android smartphone or tablet. This allows the devices to connect to each other. However, once the link is established, you do not need to enter either app to perform a share.
The prerequisites for benefiting from seamless file sharing between Windows and Android are as follows:
- A PC running Windows 10 (with the May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11.
- An Android device running Android 9.0 or later.
- Link to Windows version 1.24032.518.0 or later on your Android mobile device.
- Phone Link version 1.24032.156.0 or later.
How to share files from your PC to your Android device?
In a recently updated support document, Microsoft explains how you can easily share files stored on your PC to your Android device. Note that it is clearly stated that this operation only works with files installed locally on your computer. If you attempt to share content hosted in the cloud, you will receive links to the respective cloud locations on your mobile, from which you will be able to download the files.
Set up file sharing to Android on the Windows PC:
- Select the file you wish to share on your PC.
- Right-click on the file and select “Share”.
- Look for Phone Link in the application section of the sharing popup window.
- File sharing will start on your mobile device connected to Phone Link.
- Ensure that Windows notifications for Phone Link are enabled to monitor the file sharing process in real time.
- A Windows notification will appear once the file has been shared on your mobile device.
Receiving shared files from the Windows PC on the Android device:
- A notification from Link to Windows will appear on your mobile device.
- Clicking on the notification will open the default file management app to view the received file.
- All received files will be stored under “Downloads” -> “Sent from your PC””.
How to share files from your Android device to your PC?
To quickly access a file from your Android device on your PC, follow this procedure:
On your Android smartphone or tablet:
- Select the file you wish to share.
- Press the “Share” button.
- Look for Link to Windows – Send to PC in the apps section of the system’s share drawer.
- Access the device list page and click on the connected device to start sharing.
- The sharing progress will be displayed; please do not leave the page until it is complete.
- The status will be updated to “Sent” once the sharing is complete.
Receiving your files on the PC:
- A notification from Phone Link will appear on your PC.
- Clicking on the action button of the notification will open the file or folder where the file is stored.
- All files received on your PC will be stored under “Downloads Phone Link
- You can change the default storage directory in the Phone Link settings.
And there you go, you no longer have to be envious of your friends who can use AirDrop.
Source: Windows Central