Control your Android phone from Windows 11: New start menu integration unveiled

Phone Link is set to access your phone messages, calls, photos directly to ensure you are not missing an essential upgrade

Tech Desk - Jun 23, 2024

An undated image showing Window Start Menu. — Microsoft Support

Microsoft is introducing several new features for Phone Link, its integration between Windows and Android. The company announced that Phone Link will now be integrated into the Windows 11 Start Menu.

This integration will display your phone’s status and shortcuts to key tools alongside the list of apps. Users will need to open the Phone Link app manually to access these options. If you need to create a text message through Phone Link, you can now do so directly from the Start Menu.

Additionally, Microsoft mentioned that users will be able to control current activities on their phones from the Start Menu. This includes accessing phone messages, calls, and photos directly from the Start Menu to ensure you don’t miss any important updates.

Currently, this feature only works with Android devices, with iOS support coming later. It is launched in beta with Phone Link version 1.24052.124.0 and Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3790.