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

What Happens When You Access Recent Apps?

Recent apps open in their own windows on the PC. You use them much as you would on the phone, so you can switch between computer and phone apps without losing your place. To close one, close its window the way you would any other app on your PC.

Method 1Using the Phone Link Icon on the Taskbar

Step 1Find the Phone Link Icon

If you don’t see it, it is probably tucked away in the system tray 🔔 overflow.

1. Look at the right end of the taskbar 🖥️, next to the clock.
2. Click the upward-pointing arrow (^) to show the hidden icons. You should see a small panel of background app icons.
3. Find the Phone Link icon. It looks like a phone next to a computer screen.

If the icon is not there at all, Phone Link may not be running. Use the Start menu ⊞ method later in this tutorial instead.

Step 2Open the Phone Link Menu

Click the Phone Link icon. A compact menu opens with options for your connected phone. If it shows no phone, check that your phone is still linked and connected.

Step 3Choose Your App

When the app list appears, you can see your most recently used mobile apps at a glance and pick the one you want. You can open it in either of two ways:

• Single Click: Click the app icon you want to open. The app opens in its own window on your PC.
• Right-Click: Right-click the app icon. A small menu appears, and you can choose Open.

Both methods give the same result, so use whichever you prefer.

Method 2Using the Phone Link App

Step 1Open the Phone Link Application

You can also reach recent apps from the full Phone Link window. This is the route to use if the taskbar icon is missing or the app is closed.

1. Click Start and type Phone Link.
2. Select the Phone Link result to launch it. The main window opens, and from here you manage the connection to your phone.

Step 2Go to the "Apps" Section

You will see the mobile apps available to use on the PC. If the tab is missing or empty, check that your phone is connected and that both Phone Link and the phone's companion app are up to date.

Step 3Find the "Recently Used" Area

At the top of the Apps page, find the Recently used section. It shows up to three recent mobile apps, so you can pick up where you left off without scrolling through the full list.

Step 4Select Your App

Launching an app from here works the same way as from the taskbar menu. You have two 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.

After either action, the app should appear in its own window.

Reference:

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

Summary

Use the taskbar icon for a quick launch and the full Phone Link window when you want the whole app list. Either way, your essential phone apps stay within easy reach on the PC.