Setting up and using your phone in File Explorer

What do you need to use this feature? 

To access your files, you will need: 

• An Android device running Android 11 or greater.

• Link to Windows version 1.24072.258.0 or later

• A PC running Windows 11

How to enable this feature

On your PC:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth & devices.

3. Scroll down to Mobile devices and select Manage Devices.

4. If your Android device is not yet paired, click Add Device and start the pairing process.

5. Once paired, your device will appear under Manage Devices.

6. Toggle on Show mobile device in File Explorer to enable this feature

What can you do in File Explorer?

Once your mobile device is connected to File Explorer, you can: 

• Browse through folders and files on your Android device.

• Open, copy, move, rename, or delete files.

• Transfer files between your mobile device and PC wirelessly.

How to switch between mobile devices?

If you have multiple paired devices, switching between them is easy.

On your PC:

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices.

3. Scroll to Mobile Devices and select Manage Devices.

4. All paired devices will be listed under My Devices.

5. Toggle Show mobile device in File Explorer for the device you want to display.

How to disable the feature?

To disable File Explorer access for a mobile device: 

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices.

3. Scroll to Mobile Devices and select Manage Devices.

4. Toggle off Show mobile device in File Explorer for the device you want to disconnect.

How to recover deleted files from File Explorer?

If you delete files from your mobile device through File Explorer, you can recover them from the “Recycle bin – Connected device” folder on your Android device. Files remain in this folder for 30 days, giving you time to restore or move them.