Your Windows PC Can Show Calls and Messages From Your Phone

Windows' Phone Link can connect a PC with an Android phone or iPhone so you can handle some phone activity without constantly picking up the phone.

Available capabilities depend on the phone. Microsoft's current Windows 11 mobile-device integration can provide access to calls and messages for both Android and iPhone, while Android integration can offer additional capabilities on supported devices.

Windows 11 is also gradually integrating connected-phone information directly into the Start menu. Microsoft warns that this particular feature is still rolling out, so two fully updated PCs may not necessarily show it at the same time.

What permissions are you giving it?

Phone Link needs permission to access the phone features you want to use.

For example, Microsoft says Android messaging can be enabled or disabled from Phone Link > Settings > Features > Messages. An iPhone connection also requires appropriate Bluetooth permissions for features such as notifications and contact synchronization.

Do not mindlessly approve every permission screen. Enable the capabilities you actually intend to use.

One privacy consideration

If several people use the same Windows PC account, phone integration can expose information you probably expected to remain on your phone. Microsoft recommends separate Windows/Microsoft accounts for individual PC users to help protect Phone Link data.

Bottom line: Phone Link can be genuinely convenient, but its exact features vary by phone. Set it up based on what you actually want Windows to access rather than assuming every device gets the same capabilities.

Sources and Further Reading

Microsoft Support — Mobile device in Start menu: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Apps/PhoneLink/mobile-device-in-start-menu

Microsoft Support — Setting up messages in Phone Link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/phonelink/setting-up-messages-in-the-phone-link

Microsoft Support — Frequently asked questions about Phone Link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/phonelink/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-phone-link