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It seems that Microsoft is working on a feature that would allow you to access the whole storage of your Android phone wirelessly through Windows File Explorer. The company would use its Phone Link app as a bridge to make it possible.
Phone Link is a Windows app that enhances the interaction between your PC and your mobile device. It offers multiple possibilities, like accessing files on your phone wirelessly. However, wireless file access is limited to images and videos. Currently, you cannot explore your phone’s internal storage using the Phone Link app. But it seems that is about to change.
Phone Link would allow you to wirelessly explore your Android phone files from Windows
PhantomOcean3 reported on X about the new development. According to the post, Microsoft is working on integrating your linked Android phone storage into the Windows file explorer. This means that you will be able to access all your files wirelessly as if it were another normal Windows folder. Currently, this is only possible using a USB connection.
Looks like the Cross Device Experience Host will let you make your device show up in File Explorer in a future update, a toggle for this has been hidden in the app for some time. pic.twitter.com/9zwomWwdTz
— PhantomOcean3 🌳 (@PhantomOfEarth) June 8, 2024
The feature is not yet functional, but the source showed a screenshot with a related toggle. Enabling the toggle will “Show mobile device in File Explorer.” Once it is available, you can find it by going to Windows 11 Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage mobile devices. If you enable the feature, Windows will ask you for access permission to all the files on your mobile device. To complete the setup, you will have to tap on a notification from your linked phone.
It is not yet known when the option to check your phone’s storage through the Windows File Explorer will be available. It will likely first go through a few weeks or months of testing in beta versions of Windows. However, once it is available, it will immediately become one of the most useful features.