Microsoft, in its recent endeavor, hath bestowed upon us the gift of seamless file transfer betwixt Windows 11 and Android devices through Phone Link. Lo and behold, ye can now delve into the depths of thy Android phone’s storage within Windows 11’s File Explorer, courtesy of Microsoft’s Cross Device Experience Host. Thus, the very technology that doth unite Windows and Android is now harnessed to transmogrify thine Android phone’s camera into a webcam for Windows 11.
Should thee desire to access thy Android phone’s storage within File Explorer on thy trusty PC, herein lie the steps to guide thee on this noble quest.
Access Android Phone Storage in Windows 11 File Explorer
First and foremost, embark upon thy quest by opening the Start menu and seeking out "mobile device." Thou shalt then have the privilege to click on "Open mobile device settings."
Next, with valor and fortitude, enable the toggle for Phone Link and set it up. Thou art required to install the Link to Windows app (Free) on thy Android phone and grant permission for storage, among other endeavors.
Once Phone Link hath been established, let the toggle next to "Allow this PC to access your mobile devices" be enabled. Then, embark on the journey to "Manage devices."
Hereafter, with a mere flick of thy finger, enable "Show mobile device in File Explorer" and there, dear reader, thy task shall be accomplished.
Venture forth into the realm of File Explorer, and lo, thou shalt behold thy smartphone gracing the left Navigation Pane, just above "This PC."
Open the gateway and thy Android phone’s storage shall be at thy disposal on Windows 11, as if by magic. Thus, thou mayest copy and paste files betwixt the realms at will.
My Experience Using Android’s Phone Storage in File Explorer
In my time traversing this wireless realm, I found the setup to be effortless, working its charm even when my phone slumbered. When thou art in need of certain files or documents from thy phone, simply open File Explorer and copy them with the ease of a gentle breeze. The seamless transfer process unfolded before me like a tapestry of old, akin to frolicking amidst the files and folders of my PC. The integration felt so native, a rare sight in the realm of Windows.
Yet, I must impart that the transfer speed doth wax somewhat slow, lingering at a mere 9 MBps. In prior endeavors, the speed of Phone Link hath reached a more respectable 13 MBps, a mystery given their shared foundation. Nevertheless, for swift access to smaller files, this solution doth shine in its own right.
Furthermore, in a delightful twist, thou canst also employ thy phone’s storage in a file picker window, enhancing the experience even further. Alas, a bug did manifest in mine gaze – shouldst thou make changes to files in thy phone’s storage, a period of time is required for synchronization within File Explorer. Shouldst thou opt to synchronize the changes, a prolonged period of refreshing may ensue. Nonetheless, I find the bond betwixt my Android phone and File Explorer in Windows 11 to be most beneficial.
Question arose – wouldst thou make use of this feature, or doth Motorola’s Smart Connect app hold superior sway over thee? Pray, share thy thoughts in the comments section below.
