This new feature is basically AirDrop but for Windows PCs and Android

You’ll soon be able to seamlessly share files back-and-forth between your PC and your Android devices.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

Sharing files between your computer and your smartphone is about to get easier. A new feature makes it easy to share files back and forth between Windows and Android through Phone Link and the Link to Windows app. An updatedMicrosoft support documentbreaks down how to get started and how to use the features to send files across devices. The new functionality appears to be rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, which means it should ship to everyone soon.(Note this isnotthe"cross-device copy and paste" feature, which has been part of Phone Link 2020.)

The functionality works similarly to AirDrop within the Apple ecosystem, except it connects Windows PCs and Android devices. There are various ways to share files across devices, but this new functionality is promising due to its simplicity. Sharing to a device works through the built-in share menu of your source device, so sending a file to or from your PC should feel similar to sharing content through your favorite apps.

To share files between your PC and your mobile device, you need to have a computer running Windows 10 (May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11. Your smartphone needs to be on Android 9.0 or later. Neither of those are particularly strict requirements, so the feature is not exclusive to new hardware. The Link to the Windows app on your phone needs to be version 1.24032.518.0 or later, and the Phone Link on your PC needs to be version 1.24032.156.0 or later.

AirDrop for Windows

AirDrop for Windows

I’ve been firmly in the Microsoft ecosystem for years, but I occasionally venture over to the Apple side of things. For my job as a news writer, it’s important to understand trends in the tech world. I also need to know how Microsoft apps and services work across various platforms. I must admit that I’ve been envious of AirDrop across the Apple ecosystem for ages.

Years ago, I had an iPad and a MacBook, and I worked on a team in which everyone had Apple products. My job required frequently sharing content, so AirDrop was essential for our workflow. Microsoft and other companies have worked on some apps and features that try to replicate AirDrop, but it hasn’t been seamless.

Now, with Windows 11’s nearby share working with Android smartphones and the same connection working in reverse, I have a seamless way to send files back and forth between my devices.

How to share files from a PC to an Android device

Microsoft’s support document outlines the steps to share files from your PC to your Android device:

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When you follow these steps, a notification will appear on your phone from the Link to Windows app. Once you tap that notification, you’ll be able to receive the file and open it.

How to share files from your Android device to your PC

Sharing files in the other direction requires similar steps, which are also outlined by Microsoft:

Phone Link will show a notification on your PC with an action button to open the sent file.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.