Microsoft Enhances iPhone-to-PC File Sharing with Phone Link Update
Microsoft is rolling out significant improvements to its Phone Link app, offering iPhone users a more seamless file-sharing experience with their Windows PCs. The latest update, currently available to Windows Insiders, brings the iPhone-to-PC connection closer to parity with Android devices.
The new feature, introduced in Phone Link app version 1.24112.89.0 or higher, allows for enhanced file transfer capabilities between iPhones and Windows computers. Users will encounter a new setup dialog that guides them through enabling this functionality.
To share files from an iPhone, users can now utilize the iOS share sheet to send content directly to the “Link to Windows” app. From there, they can select a specific Windows device as the destination for their files. Conversely, PC users can easily share files with their iPhones by right-clicking on a file, selecting “share,” and then choosing “my phone” as the recipient.
This update marks another step in Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to improve the Phone Link app for both iOS and Android users. However, due to Apple’s operating system restrictions, the iOS version still faces some limitations compared to its Android counterpart.
Last year, Microsoft introduced iMessage support for the Phone Link app, allowing users to send and receive messages. However, this integration is currently limited to individual contacts and does not support group messaging. Additionally, unlike with Android devices, the Phone Link app cannot mirror iPhone apps onto a PC.
It’s worth noting that for iMessage functionality, the Phone Link app must remain open, as it relies on a workaround using Bluetooth and system notifications to operate.
While the file-sharing update is currently exclusive to Windows Insiders, Microsoft is expected to roll out these enhancements to all Phone Link users in the coming months. This update represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between iPhones and Windows PCs, offering users a more integrated digital experience.
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