Windows 11 Now Lets You Access Your iPhone from the Start Menu

[MacRumors]

Microsoft has announced an update to Windows 11 that allows iPhone users to access their devices directly from the Start menu, bringing feature parity with its existing Android phone integration.

The new functionality lets you view your device's battery status, cellular connectivity, and recent activities without leaving the Windows environment. You can also access messages, calls, and file sharing capabilities directly from the Start menu interface.

Setting up the integration is straightforward. Just open the Start menu and select "iPhone" from the right-side pane, then follow the on-screen instructions to establish the connection between your iPhone and PC.

The feature is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in both Dev and Beta channels. To access the new functionality, you must be running Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 4805 or higher in the Beta Channel, or Build 26120.3000 or higher in the Dev Channel. Additional requirements include Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher and a PC with Bluetooth LE capability.

Note that not all Windows 11 users will have immediate access to the feature. Microsoft says the integration is not supported on PCs running Windows 11 Pro Education or Education SKUs.

Article Link: Windows 11 Now Lets You Access Your iPhone from the Start Menu

 

[gleepskip]

I can't wait to let Microsoft get their paws on my mobile data, too!

 

[e1me5]

That's nice! So now I can finally ditch my Macs. 😂😂😂😂

 

[cjsuk]

No it doesn't because my PC went on ebay.

 

[foxymac]

I’ve read the requirements on Microsoft…. Uh … but how to be less complicated? I don’t have nor I want Bluetooth on my windows pc (the and riser card is buggy) so I use “apple devices” app and use the usb c cable. So Microsoft please let us , cable users, use this new function?

 

[cigz]

wait so it’s possible to see iPhone’s battery status ON WINDOWS but it’s not possible on MacOS with it’s battery widget?

 

[TechRunner]

Yeah? No. When I had my Z Flip 4 I had it linked to my Dell XPS 9510 and it was a pretty unremarkable experience overall. It might be interesting to some who need to stay on Windows and have iPhones, but for me it's a pass.

 

[Spike1999]

A surprising feature

 

[SteveJUAE]

Great Linked To Windows is great for Samsung Phones and adding this for my IPhone is also welcomed when using Parallels on my MacBook

 

[Skyscraperfan]

I will not install an operating system that does not allow me to have the task bar vertically on the left.

 

[Padaung]

Nice! Microsoft's 'Phone Link' for Android phones on Windows has become increasingly responsive and reliable. Great to see they are now including iPhones too. I regularly use Phone Link to read and write SMS messages on my laptop (especially useful for copying over two factor authentication codes) and getting images from my phone to share/save/use.

I'd love Apple to mutually reciprocate this and allow Android phones to connect to Macs with an app that offers similar functionality to Phone Link/iPhone Mirroring. I expect pigs to be flying before this ever happens though.

 

[H2SO4]

No it doesn't because my PC went on ebay.

Yeah it does actually, just for the new owner.

 

[cjsuk]

Yeah it does actually, just for the new owner.

I still have the hard disk, so ner!

 

[seggy]

This would be great if it works without fail. It never did for me, but that was years ago I stopped using whatever Phone Link was called at the time.

I should give it a try again, I guess.

 

[Powerbooky]

Even twenty years later, the slogan "Redmond, start your photocopiers" still applies apparently.

 

[Padaung]

This would be great if it works without fail. It never did for me, but that was years ago I stopped using whatever Phone Link was called at the time.

I should give it a try again, I guess.

Depending on the hardware you're using compared to when you first tried it, I'd say give it another go. The software has certainly improved with time. I stopped using it for a while because I found it unusable too. After I got a new phone a year ago (and a new laptop 6 months before that) I tried it again and have been using it regularly ever since. I can't say if the updates to the app or the hardware changes (or both) made the difference to it being useable.

 

[mxrider88]

I bet it works better than macOS continuity handoff and the new gimmicky iPhone remote control.

 

[seggy]

Depending on the hardware you're using compared to when you first tried it, I'd say give it another go. The software has certainly improved with time. I stopped using it for a while because I found it unusable too. After I got a new phone a year ago (and a new laptop 6 months before that) I tried it again and have been using it regularly ever since. I can't say if the updates to the app or the hardware changes (or both) made the difference to it being useable.

My use is primarily desktop, and since I regularly ditch anything more than 5 years old for active use I think it's safe to say my hardware will be valid (and even if it needs a newer 2230 card than an Intel AX200 I can slap it in). The key thing for me beyond it not being reliable even for the limited function it had at the time was that it didn't work with more than one pairing. If that's still the same it's a non-starter for me since I can be hopping around a few desktops on a given day.

 

[seggy]

Even twenty years later, the slogan "Redmond, start your photocopiers" still applies apparently.

I am struggling to see how this is relevant, beyond blind "fan" talk

It should be a standard feature for any phone on any OS at this point, but Apple was preventing it from happening for obvious reasons

 

[System603]

I bet it works better than macOS continuity handoff and the new gimmicky iPhone remote control.

I wouldn't be too surprised after a while. Microsoft has pretty much no stake in the mobile industry now, so their best bet is to support both Android and iOS devices as effectively and seamlessly as the respective platforms allow.

As a result, Microsoft should strive to provide the best possible experience for all customers across mobile platforms. Meanwhile, Apple disregards Android (understandably so) and thus lacks a true benchmark to surpass within its own walled ecosystem.

But of course Apple, has the upper hand on iOS with its exclusive tailored private API access. Again understandably.

 

[StoneJack]

Apple’s mirroring and imessage integration are very good tbh. Ms is welcome to add iphones

 

[justperry]

I don't trust MS to get my data on W11.

 

[Padaung]

it didn't work with more than one pairing

Ah, good question. I don't have that need so have never attempted this - I'm afraid I can't help you with an answer on this.

Phone Link functionality isn't as feature rich as the iPhone/Mac integration (just SMS, pictures, phone calls, notifications so no phone mirroring) but I'll take that over nothing.
Edit: I've just found out you can share files Android<->PC, and make your phone play a sound for 20s to help you find it. Both useful features, although I've been solving the share file problem using OneDrive for years already.

 

[justperry]

(especially useful for copying over two factor authentication codes) .

A Mac is much easier for this, it will ask you if you want to paste the code into the box after receiving that on your mac, from messages or mail.

 

[Sputman99]

Go two levels down in the Windows 11 interface and its all Windows 95 and all the horrible things therein - MS should be brave enough to write a new OS from ground up thats compatible and runs ‘properly’ on ARM - cos who else uses x86 anymore.