Manage Mobile devices in Windows

How to manage your mobile device on your PC?

Now you can link and manage your mobile devices directly from your PC. This link between your Android device and PC provides instant access to your mobile device with just a few simple steps. 

The following are required for this to work:

  • A PC running Windows 11.
  • An Android device running Android 10 or later. 
  • Your phone and PC both need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Make sure to have both your PC and Android device nearby, turned on, and connected to a Wi-Fi network.

  • Open Settings on your PC.
  • Go to Bluetooth & devices.
  • Scroll down to Mobile devices and select it.
  • Turn on Allow this PC to access content and capabilities from your mobile devices (if it's off).
  • Select Add device.
  • A popup window with a QR code will appear on your PC screen.
  • Use your camera on your mobile device to scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
  • After scanning the QR code, you may be prompted to grant additional permissions. These permissions allow you to access content from your mobile device on your PC.

Follow the prompts on your Android device and then select Done. Then return to your PC to access your content.

What devices are supported?

  • Android devices running Android 10 or later.
  • Link to Windows app version 1.23112.189 or later.

How do I manage which features are available in Manage mobile device?

Manage mobile device allows you to customize which features and content sync between your Windows PC and linked mobile device. You can control what syncs, how it syncs, and where it appears. 

You must first add a device if you haven't already done so before you can view and manage available features. 

To manage your features: 

  • Open Settings on your Windows 11 PC.
  • Go to Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices.
  • Select Manage devices.
  • Toggle features on to enable or off to disable them based on your preferences under your linked enabled device.

Features available for you under Managed device: 

  • Show mobile device in File Explorer: enables access to your mobile device files, photos, and media in File Explorer and interact with them.
  • Use as a connected camera: make your mobile device’s camera available as a webcam to apps.
  • Get new photo notifications: receive notifications to open or edit new photos from your mobile device.

Note

Disabling any of these features will affect what and how you can access content from your linked mobile device. For example, if you disable "Show mobile device in File Explorer," you won't be able to access, copy, or paste your files from your mobile device.