Windows 11 may gain the ability to access files on Android mobile phones

According to leakster PhantomOcean3, Microsoft is testing a feature that will let you access files from Android devices directly through Windows 11. The information was posted on the leaker’s X account, along with legitimate-looking screenshots.

Microsoft has been looking for ways to allow greater integration between Windows 11 and Android devices since the launch of the operating system. The Phone Link app already has some level of integration, and it’s also available for iOS devices.

However, the new service’s approach will be more practical and direct, with the Android device displayed in File Explorer as if it were a USB stick. This way the user will be able to browse the internal and external storage of the mobile phone directly from the PC or laptop. Currently this is only possible if the device is connected to the machine via a USB cable.

From here the user can easily transfer files between the two systems. When enabled, this feature asks the user for permissions to access the device’s storage. The connection uses Windows 11’s Cross-Device Experience Host feature, which also allows the Android mobile phone to be used as a webcam.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft has not officially confirmed the functionality. Therefore, there is no guarantee that it will actually be published.

Phone Link is an option

Currently, Phone Link is the integration feature between Windows 11 and Android devices. It allows a form of mirroring of the mobile phone screen to access various features directly on the PC.

However, this feature is not available on all devices. According to Microsoft, the app only comes pre-installed on Samsung, Honor, Surface Duo and Oppo devices running Android 9.0 or above.