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To open Phone Link on a Windows PC, select Start or the taskbar search box, type Phone Link, then select the app in the results. If it is not listed, search for Phone Link in Settings and install or enable it when prompted. Opening the app is separate from pairing it with a phone.
Open Phone Link from Start or taskbar search
- Select Start or click the search box on the taskbar.
- Type Phone Link.
- Select Phone Link from the search results.
Microsoft says Phone Link is available by default on most Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, so it may already be installed. You can also look for it in the Start menu. See Microsoft’s Phone Link setup instructions.
If Phone Link does not appear in search
Microsoft’s documented installation route is through Settings. The exact labels can vary by Windows release.
- Open Settings.
- Search Settings for Phone Link.
- Select Enable or disable Phone Link.
- Turn on the Phone Link setting and accept the installation prompt if it appears.
Microsoft provides this route for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Phone Link setup is supported on Windows 10 and Windows 11; if you are using another Windows version, Microsoft says the service is not available there. See Microsoft’s installation guidance and Phone Link setup troubleshooting.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Opening the app is not the same as connecting a phone
After Phone Link opens, choose whether you want to pair an Android phone or an iPhone and follow the prompts. Pairing involves additional device, account, connectivity, and permission steps; simply launching the PC app does not establish a connection. Microsoft’s baseline compatibility requirements differ by phone type:
| Phone type | Microsoft’s listed requirements for using Phone Link |
|---|---|
| Android | Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later, or Windows 11; Android 10 or later; and ordinarily the PC and phone on the same Wi-Fi network. |
| iPhone | Windows 10 with the May 2019 update or later, or Windows 11; a PC with Bluetooth Low Energy support; and iOS 16 or later. |
These are requirements for using Phone Link with a phone, not for locating or opening the Windows app. Microsoft recommends keeping Windows current. For details, see Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Start phone pane is optional
Windows 11 may offer a separate mobile-device companion pane in Start. It is a gradually rolling-out feature, not the required way to launch Phone Link. Microsoft lists Windows 11 or later, Phone Link version 1.25032.82.0, a Microsoft account, and Wi-Fi for Android or Bluetooth LE for iPhone among the pane’s requirements.
If the feature is available on your PC and you want to show or hide it, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle Show mobile device in Start. If the pane is absent, you can still open Phone Link by searching from Start or the taskbar. See Microsoft’s instructions for the mobile-device pane.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
If Phone Link opens but setup or syncing fails
Setup does not complete
Follow the pairing prompts for your phone type. If you have entered a code incorrectly too many times, Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance recommends reopening Phone Link and retrying the setup.
Android content is not syncing
- Check for updates to both Phone Link and the Link to Windows app on your phone.
- Confirm that both apps use the same Microsoft account.
- Check power and network conditions. A trusted shared Wi-Fi connection is preferred for the fastest, most reliable link.
- If needed, check Link to Windows settings for the option to sync over mobile data. Wi-Fi is not mandatory for every sync configuration.
See Microsoft’s Android sync troubleshooting steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
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