How to access Recent Apps from the Phone Link in Windows 11

What Happens When You Access Recent Apps?

Recent apps open in dedicated windows on the PC. Interacting with them mirrors the mobile experience, keeping multitasking between the computer and phone applications smooth.

Method 1Using the Phone Link Icon on the Taskbar

Step 1Find the Phone Link Icon

Finding the Phone Link icon to use phone link recent apps starts on your Windows 11 taskbar near the clock. If the icon is hidden, click the upward-pointing arrow in the system tray 🔔 to reveal all active background icons. Look for the Phone Link symbol, which resembles a smartphone next to a computer screen, so you can open your mobile apps directly.

• 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

Clicking the Phone Link icon opens a compact menu displaying options for the connected phone.

Step 3Choose Your App

Choosing your app from phone link recent apps lets you interact with your phone screen directly on your computer. When the app list appears on your desktop, you can view your most recently used mobile programs at a glance and pick the one you want to run without picking up your actual phone.

• 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

Searching for "Phone Link" in the Start menu launches the application if it is closed. Managing the mobile connection happens entirely within this interface.

Step 2Go to the "Apps" Section

Selecting the "Apps" tab inside Phone Link displays the mobile software available for use on the PC.

Step 3Find the "Recently Used" Area

Locating the "Recently used" section at the top of the "Apps" page reveals up to three recent mobile applications for rapid task resumption.

Step 4Select Your App

Selecting your app within phone link recent apps gives you two simple ways to launch mobile software on your PC. You can either use a standard left click to start the program instantly in a new window or use a right-click to bring up a context menu with more launch options.

• 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.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-apps-from-your-android-device-on-your-pc-07d3d029-236e-e71f-3561-d40d7491d435

Summary

Utilizing either the taskbar icon or the full interface saves time and keeps essential phone applications accessible.