Microsoft started rolling out an upgrade Wednesday to its Phone Link software and the Link to Windows app that promises seamless file transfers from iPhone to PC and vice versa.
The goal seems to be imitating the functionality of AirDrop, Apple’s simple system for wirelessly moving files between iPhones, Macs, iPads, etc.
Microsoft Phone Link adds file transfers to iPhone
More than half of Americans own an iPhone, but only about a third of Americans own a Mac. In other words, plenty of iPhone users own a Windows PC. Microsoft’s Phone Link is for them. It allows Windows users to make and take calls on their iPhone, view your phone’s contacts list, reply to texts, check and dismiss iPhone notifications, play/pause/skip audio playing on your phone and more, according to Microsoft’s support document on the software.
Phone Link works a lot like the iPhone mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia. And it’s getting a significant upgrade. The Windows Insider Blog said Wednesday, “We are beginning to gradually roll out the ability to seamlessly share files between your iPhone and Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC when they are connected via Phone Link and the Link to Windows app.”
Microsoft is early in the roll-out process, with the feature just starting testing with those in the Windows Insider Program. But easy file sharing between iPhone and PC should be a boon to users of both computers … eventually.
According to the Windows Insider Blog other requirements include:
- An iPhone running iOS 16 or higher, with the Link to Windows app (version 1.24112.73 or higher) installed.
- Phone Link (version 1.24112.89.0 or higher) on the Windows PC you want to link to the iPhone.
In the meantime, those running Windows 11 or Windows 10 with an iPhone might consider installing the free Link to Windows app if they aren’t already using Microsoft Phone Link.
