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Yes. Windows 11 can connect to selected Android phones and iPhones through Microsoft Phone Link, allowing calls, messages, notifications and, on some Android models, photos, phone-screen control and Android apps. The exact features depend on your phone model, operating-system version, permissions, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi hardware, carrier and country. Use the current Microsoft compatibility pages before assuming a feature will work on a particular handset.
What is Phone Link, and what can it do?
Phone Link is Microsoft’s Windows app for connecting a phone to a PC. It is software rather than a separate paid product. With a supported configuration, you can handle phone activity from Windows 11 instead of picking up the handset for every task.
- Calls: make and answer ordinary cellular calls from the PC through the phone’s Bluetooth connection.
- Messages: read and reply to messages where your phone, permissions and region support the feature.
- Notifications: view selected phone notifications on Windows.
- Photos and phone screen: available only on certain Android phones and, for phone screen, only in selected markets.
- Android apps: a limited Apps experience on selected Android models; it is not a general Android emulator.
Microsoft maintains the live requirements and model lists on its Phone Link requirements and setup page and its supported-devices page. Those pages can change as phone models, app versions and markets change.
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| Connection | Minimum phone requirement | PC and transport requirements | What is established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Android 10 or later for Microsoft’s general setup guidance | Windows 11 PC; phone and PC on the same Wi-Fi network; Link to Windows installed or preinstalled, depending on model | Basic features depend on the model. Apps, phone screen, photos and RCS have narrower compatibility. |
| iPhone | iOS 16 or later in Microsoft’s general setup guidance | Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth Low Energy; pairing and permissions over Bluetooth | Microsoft lists messages, calls and notifications. iPhone does not receive the Android-style Phone Link app-mirroring experience. |
| Calls on either platform | A compatible phone and Phone Link setup | Bluetooth enabled and available on both devices | Calls use the connected phone. Phone Link is not intended to carry emergency calls. |
These are baseline requirements, not a guarantee that every feature works. A phone can meet the operating-system minimum while lacking support for a particular Phone Link experience.
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- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
How to connect an Android phone to Windows 11
Android pairing normally uses the Link to Windows service on the phone and Phone Link on the PC. Some phones include Link to Windows; others obtain it from the phone’s app store.
- On the Windows 11 PC, open Phone Link from the Start menu. Sign in with the Microsoft account requested by the app.
- On the Android phone, install or open Link to Windows. If it is preinstalled, use that version rather than downloading an unrelated pairing utility.
- When Phone Link displays a QR code, scan it with Link to Windows. If QR pairing is unavailable, follow the alternative code or sign-in method shown on both screens.
- Confirm that the PC and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is part of Microsoft’s general Android setup guidance.
- Approve the permissions Phone Link requests, such as notifications, contacts, messages and photos. Grant only the categories you intend to use.
- Leave Link to Windows allowed to run as required by your phone’s battery and background-activity settings. Aggressive battery optimization can interrupt synchronization.
- Return to Phone Link on Windows and wait for the status to show the phone as connected. Test one feature at a time—notifications, messages and then calls—so a failure is easier to isolate.
Android manufacturers and models implement these permissions differently. If the QR code works but messages or notifications do not appear, check the phone’s notification access, battery restrictions and default messaging settings before pairing again.
How to connect an iPhone to Windows 11
iPhone pairing is Bluetooth-based and has a different feature set from Android. The PC must support Bluetooth Low Energy, and the phone must run iOS 16 or later under Microsoft’s current general guidance.
- Open Phone Link on Windows 11 and choose the iPhone option.
- Turn on Bluetooth on both the PC and the iPhone. Keep the devices close together during pairing.
- Use the pairing code shown by Phone Link and confirm that the same code appears on the iPhone.
- Accept the Bluetooth pairing request on both devices.
- Approve the permissions for the features you want, including notifications and message access where offered.
- If Phone Link asks for contact synchronization, enable it when you want names and contacts to appear with calls or messages.
- Complete the on-screen permission prompts, then send a test message or notification to verify the connection.
Microsoft’s iPhone setup documentation describes calls, messages and notifications. It does not describe Android-style phone-app mirroring for iPhone, so do not expect to launch arbitrary iOS apps from the Windows desktop through Phone Link.
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- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
Can I make phone calls from my Windows 11 PC?
Yes. Phone Link can make and receive calls through either a supported Android phone or iPhone, but the call still uses the phone’s cellular service. Bluetooth must be enabled and available on both devices. Microsoft’s current instructions are in Make and receive phone calls from your PC.
Call setup and use
- Pair the phone with Windows through Phone Link.
- Enable Bluetooth on both devices and keep the phone within Bluetooth range.
- In Phone Link, open the calling feature and grant the requested call and contact permissions.
- Choose a contact or enter a number, then use the PC’s microphone and speakers or a connected headset.
- For an incoming call, answer or decline it from the Phone Link notification or calling screen.
If calls fail while messages work, Bluetooth is the first thing to check: confirm that the phone is paired in Windows Bluetooth settings, not merely visible inside the Phone Link app. Also verify that the correct phone is selected in Phone Link’s calling settings and that Windows has permission to use the microphone.
Important emergency-calling limitation
Microsoft states: “Phone Link is not intended to support or carry emergency calls to any types of hospitals, law enforcement agencies, medical care units, or any other kinds of services that connect users to emergency services personnel or public safety answering points (“Emergency Services”).” Use the phone’s normal cellular dialer or another method approved for emergency calling; never rely on Phone Link for an emergency.
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Can I text from my computer?
In supported configurations, Phone Link lets you read and reply to phone messages from Windows 11. The messages remain associated with the phone and its messaging service; Phone Link is a viewing and interaction layer rather than a replacement mobile network.
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- Fast Transmission Rate: With EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration, this upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 adapter achieves speeds of up to 3Mbps, greatly improving transmission rates and reducing efficiency loss due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. This allows for fast, seamless wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- Real Plug & Play with Free Driver Support: Techkey USB wireless Bluetooth is not constrained by network or location, requiring no driver installation. Just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer and start using it right away. Enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth functionality at any time, enhancing work efficiency and saving time.
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- Up to 7 Devices Sync Connected: The upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 dongle is designed for a wide range of applications, allowing simultaneous connections with up to 7 Bluetooth wireless devices such as speakers, keyboards, headsets, mice, and printers. It is exclusively compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1 and does not support Mac OS, Linux, car stereo systems, XBOX, PS4, or TVs.
Android messaging
Android support is broader than iPhone support, but it is still model- and permission-dependent. The phone must remain connected, and notification or message permissions must stay enabled. If you change the phone’s default messaging app, revisit Phone Link permissions and the supported-device list.
iPhone messaging
On iPhone, Bluetooth pairing and Apple’s permission controls determine which messages and notifications Phone Link can show. The available controls and history are not identical to Android’s. If a message category is missing, open the iPhone’s Bluetooth and notification settings and review the permissions granted during pairing.
Privacy and two-factor codes
Microsoft warns that granting message permission can expose sensitive information, including two-factor-authentication SMS, in Phone Link. On a shared or work PC, consider whether other logged-in users could see message previews before enabling message access. You can remove a permission or unlink the phone when that exposure is unacceptable.
What about RCS?
RCS is conditional, not a universal Phone Link feature. Microsoft’s compatibility guidance says RCS works when the phone’s default messaging app is Samsung Messages and identifies specific supported devices; carrier-network and country availability also matter. Check the live supported-device list before treating RCS as available on your phone.
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- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
Can I use my Android apps on my Windows 11 PC?
Only in a limited way. Phone Link’s Apps experience is available on selected Android devices, not on every Android phone and not on iPhones. Microsoft lists selected models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo and Xiaomi, with availability varying by device and software version. The multiple-app instructions require Android 11 for the listed experience.
When supported, Phone Link can display and interact with compatible phone apps from Windows. The app continues to run on the phone; Windows is controlling or displaying the phone session. This is different from installing an Android APK as a native Windows program.
Phone screen has separate requirements
The Phone screen feature is narrower still. Microsoft describes it for supported Android devices in select markets, with Android 10 or later and Link to Windows preinstalled for the listed phone-screen scenario. Consult the dedicated Apps setup page and the current compatibility list before buying or configuring a phone for this purpose.
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Microsoft recommends current versions of Windows, Phone Link and Link to Windows. App updates may install automatically when automatic updating is enabled, but you can check manually.
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- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
Update Phone Link and Link to Windows
- On the Android phone, open Link to Windows settings and look for its update option. Install an offered update through the phone’s normal app-update mechanism.
- On the PC, open Phone Link.
- Go to Settings > About > Updates. If Microsoft offers an update, choose Update.
- Restart Phone Link and Link to Windows after installation, then reconnect the phone if the status remains stale.
These are Microsoft’s current menu paths from its Phone Link FAQ; labels can change as the apps are revised.
Update Windows 11
For Windows itself, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Restart when Windows requests it, then reopen Phone Link. Microsoft documents this path in its calling support guidance.
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The phone will not pair
- Confirm the PC is running Windows 11 and the phone meets the relevant Android or iOS minimum.
- For Android, put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and verify Link to Windows is installed and signed in.
- For iPhone, confirm Bluetooth Low Energy is available on the PC, Bluetooth is enabled, and iOS is 16 or later.
- Remove an old Phone Link pairing from both devices, restart Bluetooth, and repeat the QR-code or Bluetooth pairing process.
Messages or notifications are missing
- Review notification, message and contact permissions on the phone.
- Check whether battery-saver or background restrictions are stopping Link to Windows.
- On iPhone, revisit Bluetooth notification-sharing permissions; on Android, check notification access and the default messaging app.
- Remember that message visibility can include sensitive SMS such as two-factor codes.
Calls do not connect
- Verify Bluetooth pairing in Windows, not just Wi-Fi or Phone Link status.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on at both ends, then reconnect the phone.
- Check Phone Link’s Calls permissions and Windows microphone and speaker selection.
- Do not test or depend on Phone Link for emergency calls.
Apps or Phone screen are absent
- Check the exact phone model and software version against Microsoft’s supported-device list.
- Confirm the phone meets the Android 10 or Android 11 requirement for the particular experience.
- Check whether the feature is offered in your market; Phone screen is explicitly limited to select markets.
- Update both apps and Windows before unlinking and pairing again.
Windows 11 Start menu phone integration
Microsoft is gradually rolling out a separate phone companion experience in the Windows 11 Start menu. Its current requirements include Windows 11, Phone Link version 1.25032.82.0 and a Microsoft account. Android and iPhone capabilities are not identical; Microsoft lists photos for Android but distinguishes the iPhone experience.
If the phone panel is missing from Start, that does not necessarily mean pairing is broken. The feature may not have reached your device yet, or a listed requirement may be absent. You can still open the standalone Phone Link app and pair through its normal setup route.
Do I need to buy anything?
Phone Link itself does not require a paid product purchase, and no separate hardware is needed when the PC already has working Bluetooth and the phone meets Microsoft’s requirements. Messages and update functions do not require a special accessory.
If a desktop PC lacks Bluetooth and you specifically want Phone Link calling, a USB Bluetooth adapter for PC is the relevant hardware category. Microsoft establishes that Bluetooth is required but does not endorse a particular adapter. Check the adapter’s Windows 11 compatibility, Bluetooth profile support and driver availability before buying; an adapter cannot make an otherwise unsupported phone model compatible.
Android or iPhone: which Phone Link experience is different?
| Comparison point | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| General minimum | Android 10 or later | iOS 16 or later |
| Primary setup conditions | Link to Windows plus same Wi-Fi network as the Windows 11 PC | Bluetooth Low Energy on the PC, Bluetooth pairing and iPhone permissions |
| Calls | Supported through Bluetooth | Supported through Bluetooth |
| Messages and notifications | Supported configurations vary by model and permissions | Available with Bluetooth and granted permissions; controls differ from Android |
| Photos | Available in supported Android experiences | Not listed as an equivalent general Phone Link capability |
| Apps and phone screen | Selected models only; Phone screen has Android 10-plus, preinstallation and market restrictions | Android-style app mirroring is not described for iPhone |
| RCS | Conditional: supported device, Samsung Messages default app, carrier and country | Not stated as a general Phone Link capability in Microsoft’s setup guidance |
The safest buying or setup decision is therefore feature-first: identify whether you need calls, messages, RCS, photos, app access or Phone screen, then verify that exact experience—not merely the phone’s operating-system version—on Microsoft’s live compatibility page.
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Where to verify changing requirements
- Phone Link requirements and setup — general Android and iPhone prerequisites and pairing guidance.
- Supported devices for Phone Link experiences — model-specific Apps, RCS and other capabilities.
- Make and receive phone calls from your PC — Bluetooth calling setup and emergency-call limitation.
- Phone Link FAQ — current update instructions and common questions.
- Setting up Apps in Phone Link — Android Apps and Phone screen requirements.
- Mobile device in Start Menu — Start menu rollout and version requirements.
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