How to access Recent Apps from the Phone Link in Windows 11
Phone Link in Windows 11 lets you access your phone’s recently used apps directly on your PC.
Phone Link mirrors your phone’s screen, allowing you to open and use your mobile apps from your computer. This feature means you don’t have to constantly pick up your phone.
It’s great for quickly opening apps like messaging or social media on your larger computer screen. This helps you stay focused on your computer tasks.
Make sure your phone works with Phone Link and you have the newest version of the app on both devices for it to work well.
Access your phone’s recent apps via the Phone Link icon on your Windows 11 taskbar or by opening the Phone Link app and navigating to the “Apps” section. From there, click or right-click on the desired app under the “Recently used” area to launch it on your PC.
What Happens When You Access Recent Apps?
When you access your recent apps through Phone Link, they open in their own windows on your PC. You can use them like you would on your phone, which makes multitasking between your computer and your phone’s applications much smoother.
Method 1Using the Phone Link Icon on the Taskbar
Step 1Find the Phone Link Icon
You can access your phone’s recently used apps from Windows 11 using the Phone Link feature. First, find the Phone Link icon on your computer’s taskbar, often located near the clock. If you don’t see it right away, click the small upward-pointing arrow on your taskbar. This will reveal hidden icons, and you can then look for the one that connects your phone and PC.
- Click the upward-pointing arrow (^) on your taskbar.
- Look for the Phone Link icon. It often looks like a phone and a computer connected.
Step 2Open the Phone Link Menu
Click the Phone Link icon. A small menu will appear, showing you options for your linked phone.
Step 3Choose Your App
With Phone Link open, a list of your recent phone apps appears on the screen. These are apps you’ve used recently, and you can open them directly from your PC. Click an app icon to open it in its own window, or right-click and select ‘Open’ to do the same thing.
- Single Click: Click the app icon you want to open. The app will open in its own window on your PC.
- Right-Click: You can also right-click the app icon. A small menu will show up, and you can choose “Open.”
Method 2Using the Phone Link App
Step 1Open the Phone Link Application
If the Phone Link app isn’t already open, find it from your Start menu by searching for “Phone Link.” This app helps you manage your phone’s connection to your PC.
Step 2Go to the “Apps” Section
Inside the Phone Link app, navigate to and click on the “Apps” section or tab. This is where you can see and use your phone’s apps on your PC.
Step 3Find the “Recently Used” Area
At the top of the “Apps” page, look for the “Recently used” section. This section shows up to three of your most recently used apps from your phone, perfect for quickly resuming your tasks.
Step 4Select Your App
Single Click: Click the app icon to open it. The app then launches in its own window on your PC. Right-Click: Alternatively, right-click the app icon. A small menu appears, where you can select “Open.”
- Click to Launch: Click the app icon to open it in a new window on your PC.
- Right-Click for Options: Right-click the app icon and choose “Open” from the menu.
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Summary
Using either the taskbar icon or the full app saves you time and boosts your productivity by making your essential phone apps readily available on your PC.
Can I see what apps were recently used on my phone?
Users occasionally ask about seeing their phone’s recently used apps. To do this, navigate to ‘Data and privacy’ on your phone, then scroll down to ‘View my activity.’ You should be able to see a list of your opened applications there.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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