Microsoft is making significant strides in improving cross-platform compatibility between Windows PCs and iPhones. The tech giant is introducing a new feature designed to simplify file sharing between these two devices, currently in testing as part of an ongoing update to the Phone Link app for Windows. This new functionality will allow users to transfer files between their Windows PC and iPhone using the Link to Windows app on iOS. However, at this stage, the feature is exclusive to members of the Windows Insider Program, which provides early access to new features before they become widely available.
Phone Link is a Windows app that facilitates wirelessly connecting smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, to Windows PCs. Once connected, users can access notifications, make calls, and now, thanks to this update, easily share files between their devices. This advancement removes the need for cables or third-party applications, making it easier to transfer documents, photos, and other files seamlessly.
To use this new file-sharing feature, there are a few requirements. First, the iPhone must be running iOS 16 or higher. Additionally, the Link to Windows app, version 1.24112.73 or higher, must be installed on the iPhone, while the PC needs the Phone Link app, version 1.24112.89.0 or higher. Most importantly, users must be enrolled in the Windows Insider Program to participate in the testing phase. Once the prerequisites are met, new users will be guided through a setup process to enable file sharing. Existing users can activate the feature by visiting aka.ms/addAccount on their PC, where they will be walked through the necessary steps.
The process for sharing files is intuitive. For iPhone users, the method is straightforward: after selecting the files they wish to share, they can tap the share icon, choose "Link to Windows" from the available options, and then select the Windows PC they wish to send the files to. On the PC side, the process is equally simple. Users can right-click the files they want to share, choose "Share," and select "My Phone" from the available options. If "My Phone" doesn't appear, they can select Phone Link as the alternative. Once the files are selected, the transfer begins and the files will be available on the iPhone.
This new feature is expected to significantly enhance the user experience for both Windows and iPhone users, making file sharing between the two platforms much more efficient. While the feature is still being tested, Microsoft plans to make it available to a wider audience in the coming months. This move reflects the company's ongoing commitment to improving cross-platform functionality, ensuring that users who rely on both Windows and iOS can seamlessly work between their devices with minimal hassle.
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