“Link to Windows” (often called LTW) is a Microsoft feature/app that helps you connect your Android phone (or some iPhones) with your Windows PC. Through this link, you can see your phone’s notifications, reply to messages, make/receive calls, transfer photos, and more — all from your Windows computer.
LTW works together with a Windows app called Phone Link (previously known as “Your Phone”).
Why Use Link to Windows?
Here are some key benefits of using Link to Windows:
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Seamless Messaging
You can read and reply to SMS (text) messages directly from your PC, so you don’t need to pick up your phone every time. -
Calls from Your PC
With LTW, if your PC supports Bluetooth and meets certain requirements, you can make and receive phone calls on your computer. -
Notification Management
All your Android notifications — WhatsApp, Instagram, email — can show up on your PC. You can dismiss them or respond, depending on the app. (Microsoft) -
Photo & File Sharing
You can view your phone’s recent photos (up to 2000 images) on your PC and drag‑and‑drop files between your phone and computer.Also, copy-paste content (text, images) between your devices. (microsoft-appmanager.andro.io)
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Share Web Pages
A very useful feature: when browsing on your phone, you can share a webpage to your PC. It opens automatically on your PC. (Microsoft Support) -
Security Feature – Lock PC Remotely
Microsoft has added a newer feature: you can lock your Windows 11 PC from your Android phone using Link to Windows (if your app is updated). (Windows Central)
How to Set Up “Link to Windows”
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to connect your phone and PC:
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Check Requirements
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Your PC must run Windows 10 (May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11. (Microsoft Support)
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Your Android phone should run Android 7.0 or newer.
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For calls: your PC needs Bluetooth capability.
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Install / Enable the Apps
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On your Android, install Link to Windows from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store (on some Samsung/Honor phones, it's already preinstalled).
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On your PC, open the Phone Link app. It may already be installed if you have Windows 10 or 11.
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Sign In
Sign into the same Microsoft account on both devices — this is essential so that the link works. -
Link the Devices
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On your PC, open Phone Link → choose “Android” → it will show a QR code.
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On your phone, open the Link to Windows app → use its camera to scan the QR code from your PC.
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Grant the necessary permissions on your phone (for calls, messages, photos, etc.). (Microsoft)
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Start Using
Once linked, you’ll start seeing phone notifications, texts, photos on your computer. You can respond, transfer files, and more. (microsoft-appmanager.andro.io)
Important Use‑Case Examples
Here are some real-life scenarios where Link to Windows is especially useful:
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Work Productivity: Suppose you are working on your PC — you don’t have to pick up your phone each time there’s a message. You can just respond from your laptop.
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Photo Transfer: You take a photo on your phone and want to edit it on your PC (Photoshop or Paint). Instead of emailing the photo or plugging in a USB, you can just drag and drop.
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Web Browsing: While reading an article on your phone during commute, you can send it to your PC with one tap so you continue reading there.
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Security: If you leave your PC and want to lock it quickly without going back, you can use your phone (if your app version supports this). (Windows Central)
Pros (Advantages)
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Convenience: Major phone functions like messages, calls, and notifications are accessible on PC.
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Cross‑Device Productivity: You don’t constantly switch devices; workflow becomes smoother.
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No Cables Needed: Everything works over Wi-Fi, mobile data, or hotspot — no need for USB.
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Better Security: Remote lock feature helps in case you leave your PC unattended. (Windows Central)
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Integrated Experience: For Samsung, Microsoft Duo, and Honor phones, integration is very tight, giving extra features. (microsoft-appmanager.andro.io)
Cons (Limitations / Issues)
While Link to Windows is very powerful, it is not without drawbacks:
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Compatibility Issues
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Not every Android phone supports all features. Some features (like app mirroring or drag-and-drop) only work with selected devices (Samsung, Honor, Microsoft Duo).
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For calling feature: PC needs Bluetooth. On PCs without Bluetooth, calls may not work. (microsoft-appmanager.andro.io)
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Performance & Reliability
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Some users report connection instability, like missed texts or dropped connections. > "It rarely works reliably … misses texts … disconnects"
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There are complaints about call setup failing: > “When I click ‘Calls’ … it keeps loading … then closes.” (Reddit)
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Preinstalled / Not Removable
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On many Samsung phones, the “Link to Windows” app comes preinstalled in the firmware, and cannot be uninstalled via normal means.
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Because of its tight integration, some users may feel forced to use it even if they don’t want to.
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Privacy Concerns
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Some users worry about giving permissions and allowing PC to access sensitive phone content. > "Despite explicitly denying access to my photos, they still showed up"
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If someone else has access to your PC, they might see your phone’s content.
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Bugs and False Positives
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There are reports about security tools (e.g. on Samsung) flagging Link to Windows as malicious. (Reddit)
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Some users find the UI confusing or buggy depending on the device.
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Tips & Best Practices
To make the most out of Link to Windows, follow these tips:
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Keep Everything Updated: Ensure your Windows and Android apps are updated to the latest version. Newer versions often bring bug fixes and new features (like the remote lock). (Windows Central)
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Use Same Microsoft Account: Always use the same Microsoft account on both your PC and phone when linking — this prevents sync issues. (Microsoft)
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Grant Necessary Permissions: For full functionality (calls, photos, messages), make sure to allow the needed permissions on your phone.
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Stable Network Helps: Use a stable Wi-Fi or good mobile data. Poor networks may disrupt syncing.
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Secure Your PC: Since your phone content is accessible on your PC, use a strong Windows password or PIN. Also, make use of the remote lock feature if available.
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Troubleshoot Carefully: If linking fails or crashes, unlink and re-pair the devices; sometimes reinstalling the app helps.
Recent Updates & Developments
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Microsoft has expanded support for Link to Windows to more Android brands like OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, making it more widely usable.
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As noted, the remote lock PC feature from your phone is a recent and highly useful addition. (Windows Central)
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Microsoft’s official Phone Link support page clarifies system requirements and troubleshooting steps. (Microsoft Support)
Conclusion
“Link to Windows” is a very powerful tool in Microsoft’s ecosystem. It bridges the gap between your phone and your Windows PC, giving you real-time access to messages, calls, notifications, and photos from your computer. This makes staying productive easier — whether for work, study, or personal use.
At the same time, it's not perfect. Compatibility issues, bugs, and privacy concerns are real for some people. But for users who have compatible devices and want deeper integration between Android and Windows, it can be a game-changer.
If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely worth setting up — just follow the steps in the setup section above, and tweak permissions for a smooth experience.