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For the simplest connection, plug your unlocked Android phone into the PC with a USB data cable, tap the phone’s USB notification, and choose File Transfer. For a wireless link to messages, photos, and notifications, use Microsoft Phone Link. For nearby file sharing, use Google Quick Share.
The right method depends on what you want to do: USB is for browsing and moving files, while Phone Link and Quick Share provide different wireless features. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, although Microsoft still documents Phone Link requirements for Windows 10.
Choose the right connection method
| What you want to do | Method | Key requirements and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Browse and move files directly | USB cable with File Transfer mode | Unlock the phone and select File Transfer after connecting. The cable must support data; some cables only charge. Google’s USB transfer steps. |
| Use messages, photos, notifications, and other supported phone features on the PC | Microsoft Phone Link and Link to Windows | Microsoft lists Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later, Android 10 or later, and the same Wi-Fi network. Features vary by phone. Phone Link requirements and setup. |
| Make or receive calls through the PC | Phone Link over Bluetooth | Requires a Bluetooth-capable PC, Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later, and Android 10 or later. Microsoft’s calls requirements. |
| Send individual files to a nearby device | Google Quick Share | Requires 64-bit Windows 10 or later (ARM-based PCs require Windows 11 or later), Android 6.0 or later, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the same network, and proximity within 5 meters. Google Quick Share help. |
| View or interact with the phone screen on the PC | Phone Link phone screen | Available only for supported Android devices in select markets; also requires Windows 10 October 2018 Update or later, DirectX 11 graphics, and the same Wi-Fi network. Phone screen requirements. |
How do I transfer files from Android to Windows 10?
- Unlock your Android phone.
- Connect it to the PC with a USB cable that supports data transfer.
- On the phone, tap the notification that says “Charging this device via USB” or similar.
- Under “Use USB for,” select File Transfer.
- Use the file window that appears on the PC to browse and move files.
- When you are finished, eject the phone from Windows, then unplug it.
Android versions and phone makers can change the wording or location of the USB notification. If you do not see it immediately, check the phone’s notifications after connecting. Follow Google’s instructions for transferring files with a USB cable if you need device-specific guidance.
How do I connect my phone to Windows without a cable?
Use Phone Link for a broader phone-to-PC connection
- On the PC, search for and open Phone Link, then choose Android.
- Follow the on-screen setup. Depending on the phone and setup flow, you may sign in to Link to Windows with the Microsoft account used on the PC or scan the QR code shown in Phone Link.
- Keep both devices on, nearby, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Grant the permissions requested for the features you want to use.
Phone Link can provide access to messages, photos, notifications, calls, and apps, but the available features depend on the phone. Phone screen and app interaction are not universal Android capabilities. Check Microsoft’s current Phone Link requirements and supported phone-screen information before relying on those features.
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Use Quick Share for nearby files
- Install and open Google’s Quick Share for Windows app.
- Choose the file you want to send and select the nearby recipient, then choose Share.
- Accept the transfer on the receiving device if prompted. Transfers between your own devices using the same Google Account can be accepted automatically.
For devices to find each other, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet must be enabled, both devices should use the same network, and they should be within 5 meters. Google lists Quick Share as available in the US and most countries, with exclusions including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Its visibility options include Everyone, Contacts, Your devices, and No one; choose the setting that fits your privacy needs. Google says Quick Share transfers are encrypted. See Google’s Quick Share guidance for current setup and availability details.
Why is my phone only charging when I plug it into my PC?
- Select File Transfer on the phone. Connecting the cable may default to charging. Unlock the phone, tap its USB notification, and choose File Transfer.
- Try another cable. Some cables carry power but no data. Use a cable that supports data and has connectors compatible with both devices.
- Check whether Windows detects new hardware automatically. If it does not, restart the PC or Android device.
- Isolate the failing side. Test the phone on another computer, or connect another device to the PC port.
Google recommends checking the USB mode and trying another cable when file transfer does not work. See its USB troubleshooting guidance.
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What to check if Phone Link or Quick Share will not connect
Phone Link
- Confirm that both devices use the same Microsoft account where the setup flow requires it.
- Make sure the phone and PC are on the same trusted Wi-Fi network.
- Turn off battery saver while troubleshooting, and check for updates to the relevant apps.
- Public Wi-Fi may not provide the trusted network conditions that improve reliability. Microsoft’s Phone Link connection troubleshooting has additional checks.
Quick Share
- Check that the receiving device’s visibility setting allows discovery.
- Confirm Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or Ethernet are on and that both devices are on the same network.
- Move the devices closer. Google suggests bringing them within 30 centimeters when diagnosing discovery problems.
For more details, use Google’s Quick Share troubleshooting and setup information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. That does not by itself mean every connection feature stopped working: Microsoft’s current Phone Link requirements still list Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later. However, the operating system is no longer supported, so its security and support status is different from a supported Windows release. Microsoft recommends using the latest Windows version; see its Windows 10 end-of-support guidance.
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