Since it stopped developing its own mobile operating system, Microsoft has decided to bring Windows 10 closer to Android smartphones. This strategic choice aims to create smoother continuity between the two worlds, without needing a proprietary device.
Connecting your Android smartphone to Windows 10
Initial setup
On a PC running Windows 10, a new area dedicated to mobile integration is now available. By going to Settings, you’ll find the “Phone” section, which lets you add an Android smartphone to sync various types of data.
Once your phone is linked, you’ll receive a link to install a dedicated app that slightly changes your mobile’s interface and integrates Microsoft tools.
Available features
Once the app is installed and your accounts are connected, you can access:
- Your web pages and browsing history in the Edge browser;
- Your activity feed, your recent documents and your calendar events;
- Personalised news as well as files you are currently working on.
Accessing Android from your PC
The other way round, an app installed on Windows 10 will let you access your Android content directly from your computer. In particular, you can:
- Read and reply to your text messages (SMS);
- View photos stored on your phone;
- Check your mobile notifications in real time.
Steps to follow to sync your content
Since an update rolled out in October, syncing messages and pictures has become easier. Here’s how to do it:
On the Windows PC
- Go to Settings > Your Phone;
- Sign in with your Microsoft account;
- Enter your mobile phone number.
On the Android smartphone
- Download the dedicated mobile companion app;
- Launch the app and accept the required permissions;
- Sign in with your Microsoft account;
- Accept the pairing request in your notifications.
A stable Wi‑Fi connection is essential to complete this process. Once pairing is done, the two devices are linked and ready to share data.
How to use the app on Windows 10
The mobile companion app built into your PC allows several useful actions:
Managing photos
You can drag and drop images from your smartphone into a folder on your PC.
Managing messages
The interface lets you read your recent messages and send new ones directly from your computer. Note, however, that it is not yet possible to send MMS or attachments from the Windows app.
Towards better Android / Windows continuity
At the moment, only photos, messages and notifications can be synced. However, Microsoft is continuing to develop this interconnection with the aim of eventually offering deeper interaction between Android devices and Windows 10 PCs.
