Use Phone Link’s feature settings to control which categories are available, then choose notification behavior for individual apps. File sharing is separate: you start each transfer yourself, and Phone Link saves received files in designated folders rather than continuously syncing Android folders.
Choose which Phone Link features are enabled
On your Windows 11 PC, open Phone Link > Settings > Features. Turn feature categories such as Notifications, Messages, Calls, or Photos on or off. This is a broad control over the related Phone Link feature and content, not just a way to hide notification banners. Microsoft describes Phone Link as letting you customize which features and content sync between your PC and linked mobile device (Microsoft Support: Phone Link requirements and setup).
Choose which Android apps can notify you on the PC
For per-app controls, go to Phone Link > Settings > Features > Notifications > View apps. The list includes apps that have already sent notifications to the PC through Phone Link. For each listed app, Microsoft documents choices to show notifications in the feed, show them in the feed and as Windows banners, or turn them off (Microsoft Support: View and manage mobile notifications on your PC).
- Feed: Keep the app’s notifications in Phone Link without Windows banner alerts.
- Feed and banner: Show them in Phone Link and as Windows notifications.
- Off: Stop showing that app’s notifications through Phone Link.
You can also use notification actions to mute or turn off a source. The app list is based on notifications Phone Link has received, so an app that has not sent one may not appear yet. Not every Android notification is eligible: notifications that cannot be dismissed on the phone are excluded, and Android may hide sensitive content.
Grant Android notification access
Link to Windows needs notification access on the Android phone. During pairing, approve the notification permission request. On Android 13, notification access includes a runtime permission; if you did not grant it during setup, allow it in Android system settings for Link to Windows. The exact menu wording can vary by Android version and device (Microsoft Support: Setting up notifications in Phone Link).
If notifications stop arriving
- On Android, search Settings for Notification access.
- Turn Link to Windows access off, then turn it on again and approve the prompt.
- Open Notifications in Phone Link on the PC and wait for the list to refresh.
- If delivery remains unreliable, check Android battery optimization for Link to Windows and turn off PC Battery saver or Focus assist while troubleshooting. These power and focus settings can interrupt delivery.
- On Android 15 or later, check the notification on the phone if Phone Link says sensitive content is hidden. Microsoft says Android-sensitive notifications, including some authentication codes, are currently blocked from Phone Link display.
For syncing features generally, keep both devices powered on and connected to the internet. Link to Windows on Android can allow mobile-data syncing; use Wi-Fi if you need to limit mobile data use (Microsoft Support: Troubleshooting notifications in Phone Link; Microsoft Support: Troubleshooting Phone Link).
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Share files separately from notification syncing
Phone Link file sharing is an explicit send-and-receive workflow, not a background folder-sync service. Microsoft’s documented file-sharing requirements are Windows 11, Android 10 or later, Link to Windows version 1.24032.518.0 or later, and Phone Link version 1.24032.156.0 or later. These are the requirements stated in Microsoft’s support guidance; availability and menus can vary by device (Microsoft Support: Seamlessly transfer content between your devices).
Send a file from Android to Windows
- On the phone, open the file and use Android’s share menu.
- Choose Link to Windows – Send to PC, then select the connected PC.
- On Windows, find the received file in DownloadsPhone Link by default. You can change the destination in Phone Link settings.
Send a file from Windows to Android
- In Windows, select a locally saved file and open Share.
- Choose Phone Link and send it to the linked Android device.
- On the phone, find the received file under DownloadsSent from your PC.
If the item you share is stored in the cloud, Phone Link shares a link to its location rather than transferring a local copy. The Android share-menu labels and support for the workflow may differ across devices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Rank #4
- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
Rank #3
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Rank #2
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
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