Microsoft has begun testing a feature allowing users to access their Android phones through Windows 11’s File Explorer, currently available to Windows Insiders.
Access Your Android Phone in File Explorer
This feature allows users to wirelessly browse all folders and files on their Android phones, including media. They can open, copy, transfer, rename, move, and delete files.
The Android device appears as a regular USB device in File Explorer, enabling quick file management between the PC and phone, making it faster than using the Phone Link app.
To use this feature, you need:
- An Android phone with version 11 or higher
- The Beta version of the Link to Windows app on the Android phone (version 1.24071 or higher)
- Registration in the Windows Insider Program, running Windows 11, and enrollment in any of the 4 Insider Channels
To enable this feature, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices, select “Manage devices,” and grant PC access to the Android phone. A toggle to show the phone in File Explorer will then appear. If not, the feature is not yet available to you.
Known Issues
- Deleting phone files on the PC moves them to a Recycle Bin folder on the phone, where they stay for 5 days instead of the indicated 30 days. An update will fix this to ensure automatic deletion after 30 days.
- Deleted files in the Recycle Bin folder on the phone may not always appear in File Explorer. This will be resolved in a future update.
- Sometimes, operations on phone files from the PC may not sync back to the phone. Logging out and back into the Windows account on the PC can serve as a workaround.
Availability
The Windows Insider Program Team announced that this feature is gradually rolling out to Windows Insiders with Android phones across all Insider Channels.