Microsoft is making a move to compete with Apple’s popular AirDrop file-sharing feature by introducing a new file-sharing capability for Windows and Android devices. This new feature, integrated with Phone Link and the Link to Windows Android app, allows users to share files directly through the native share menus on their devices.
Currently, this new file-sharing feature is being rolled out to Windows Insiders and is expected to be available to the general public soon. AirDrop has long dominated the file-sharing space, and Microsoft, along with other companies, have struggled to offer a comparable experience. This new feature promises to be a hit if it proves as user-friendly as it appears and functions reliably.
To use this new file-sharing feature, you’ll need a PC running Windows 11 or the May 2019 update for Windows 10. On the Android side, you’ll need a device running Android 9.0 or later with the Link to Windows app installed (version 1.24032.518.0 or later). Once everything is set up, clicking the “Share” button on your PC will display “Phone Link” as an option under “Share using.” Similarly, when sharing files from your phone, you should see a corresponding option called “Link to Windows – Send to PC.” You can find more detailed instructions in the official Microsoft document.
While the setup process might be a bit more involved compared to AirDrop due to the diverse range of Windows and Android devices, the payoff is a much smoother file-sharing experience once everything is in place.
It is noteworthy that while Phone Link itself supports iPhones, the official documentation does not mention extending this new file-sharing feature to iOS devices. It remains to be seen if iOS support will be added in the future or if this is a strategic decision to encourage iOS users to embrace AirDrop.
