Microsoft has begun testing new features for its Phone Link app, which will offer iPhone users a more seamless way to share files between their devices and Windows PCs.
The update, currently available to Windows Insiders, introduces a feature that enables file sharing between iPhones and PCs, bringing the experience closer to how users share files between Android devices and PCs.
The update, version 1.24112.89.0 or higher, includes a new setup dialog that allows users to easily share files between an iPhone and a Windows PC. To share a file from an iPhone, users can use the iOS share sheet to send files to the “Link to Windows” app, which then allows them to choose a Windows device to send the file to.
On the PC side, users can also share local files by right-clicking on a file and selecting the “Share” option, then choosing “My Phone” to send the file to an iPhone.
While Microsoft has made strides in improving the Phone Link app for both iOS and Android, the iOS version still faces limitations due to Apple’s operating system restrictions. Last year, Microsoft added iMessage integration to Phone Link, allowing users to send and receive messages, but this feature is restricted to one-on-one conversations and does not support group chats.
Additionally, the app cannot mirror phone apps on a PC, as it can with Android devices. To send messages via iMessage, the app must remain open, relying on Bluetooth and system notifications to facilitate the communication.
The file-sharing update is currently available for Windows Insiders and is expected to roll out to all Phone Link users in the coming months.
