Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Samsung Multi Control shares a mouse, keyboard, or trackpad across compatible Galaxy screens; Microsoft Phone Link brings selected phone features into Windows. Choose Multi Control to use one pointer and keyboard across Galaxy devices. Choose Phone Link to view and respond to phone messages or notifications, handle calls, or—in supported Android setups—open phone apps on a PC.
How the two tools differ
These are different kinds of integration, not direct alternatives for the same job. Multi Control is about shared input across compatible Samsung devices. Phone Link is about accessing selected phone content and functions from a Windows PC.
Samsung Multi Control
Multi Control lets you move one cursor between compatible screens and use a shared keyboard. Samsung also describes supported ways to drag or copy content between devices. Its current overview covers scenarios involving Galaxy Book, Galaxy Tab, Galaxy phones, Smart Monitors, and TVs, but the available pairings depend on the devices and their software. Samsung’s Multi Control overview lists current device and software conditions.
Microsoft Phone Link
Phone Link pairs a Windows PC with a supported phone. Its Android features include messages, recent photos, notifications, and calls. On certain Android devices, it can also open phone apps in PC windows or show the phone screen. Those advanced experiences are not available on every Android phone. Microsoft’s Phone Link setup and requirements and Apps feature guidance describe the differences.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Which one fits your task?
| What you want to do | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Move one pointer and keyboard across a Galaxy Book, phone, or tablet | Samsung Multi Control, if the devices are compatible | It is designed for shared input across Galaxy screens. |
| Use a mouse or keyboard on a Galaxy phone and tablet without a Galaxy Book | Samsung Multi Control, if supported | Samsung documents this arrangement; its phone-and-tablet instructions require a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse connected to the tablet. |
| See or respond to phone messages and notifications on a Windows PC | Microsoft Phone Link | It surfaces selected phone features in Windows, subject to device support and permissions. |
| Make or answer phone calls from a PC | Microsoft Phone Link | Calls use a Bluetooth connection between the PC and phone. |
| Open Android apps in PC windows | Phone Link on an eligible Android device | The Apps experience has narrower device and software requirements than basic linking. |
| Connect an iPhone to Windows | Phone Link, for its supported iPhone features | Microsoft supports iPhone pairing, but its feature set differs from Android. |
What to check before setting either one up
Samsung Multi Control requirements
Samsung’s current US overview says Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on and the devices must be signed in to the same Samsung account. It also specifies requirements involving One UI, Samsung Settings, and Samsung Continuity Service. Supported combinations differ, so check the overview and the settings for each exact device rather than assuming a single minimum version applies to every pairing.
For a phone-and-tablet setup, Samsung’s Philippine support instructions, last updated March 21, 2024, specify One UI 5.1 or later on both devices, Bluetooth enabled, the same Samsung account and Wi-Fi network, and a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse connected to the tablet. Samsung notes that some functions may not work with certain models or apps. This guidance is specific to that region and setup.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Phone Link requirements
For general Android linking, Microsoft lists Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later, or Windows 11; Android 10 or later; and the PC and phone on the same Wi-Fi network. Setup also requires a Microsoft account and phone permissions. Phone Link does not currently support multiple Android profiles or work or school accounts.
Requirements vary by feature. Calls require Bluetooth between the phone and PC. Phone screen and Apps are limited to supported Android devices and may also require eligible software, Wi-Fi, and—in the case of Apps—a compatible PC GPU. Check Microsoft’s requirements and supported-device list; availability can vary by model, carrier, and market.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Can Phone Link control a Galaxy phone?
Phone Link provides access to selected phone functions from Windows; it is not the same as using one mouse and keyboard across Galaxy screens. You can use its supported messaging, notification, photo, and call features, and some Samsung phones may qualify for additional experiences such as Apps or phone screen. Exact availability depends on the phone and its software.
Some transfer features have their own conditions. Microsoft documents cross-device copy and paste and file transfer separately; Samsung file drag-and-drop requires a Samsung device with preinstalled Link to Windows version 1.0.52.30 or later. See Microsoft’s transfer guidance before relying on a particular transfer method.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Choose by the device and workflow you already have
- Choose Multi Control if you have compatible Galaxy devices and want to move a pointer or type across their screens.
- Choose Phone Link if your goal is to use selected phone functions from a Windows PC, including with an iPhone’s supported feature set.
- If you want apps or a phone screen in Windows, verify the exact Android model and feature requirements first; basic Phone Link compatibility does not guarantee those options.
- If your Multi Control setup is phone-and-tablet only, plan on connecting a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to the tablet as Samsung’s cited instructions specify.
Windows 10 reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, according to the date included in Microsoft’s transfer support notice. That platform date is separate from Phone Link’s feature compatibility; check Microsoft’s current requirements for the Windows version you use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
