How to Add Phone Link to Windows 11 Start Menu

This article explains how to add or remove the Phone Link mobile device on the Start Menu in Windows 11.

The Phone Link app is a feature on Windows that allows you to link your phone and PC using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and access your phone’s apps and data from your PC. It lets you browse, play, order, chat, and more using your PC’s larger screen and keyboard while your phone stays in your pocket or desk.

Beginning with Windows 11 build 22635.3790, a new feature that allows you to use your mobile device directly from the Start menu on your Windows 11 PCs to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.

With this feature, you can stay connected and effortlessly access your mobile device’s functionalities from the Start menu.

To see and use this feature, your device must meet the following requirements:

• Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3790 and higher in the Beta Channel. (Other Insider Channels coming at a later date.)
• Phone Link version 1.24052.124.0 and higher.

Add or remove the Phone Link menu to the Start menu

As mentioned, users can add or remove the Phone Link app (Mobile Devices) menu to the Start menu in Windows 11.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Settings app.

You can do that by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to launch the Settings app.

When the Setting app opens, click the Personalization button on the left.

On the right, select the Start tile to expand it.

On the Personalization > Start settings pane, select the “Show mobile device in Start” tile. Then, toggle the switch button to the On or Off position to enable or disable it.

Close the Settings app when finished.

Enable or disable “Show mobile device in Start” using Windows Registry

Another way to enable or disable the “Show mobile device in Start” feature in Windows is to use the Windows Registry Editor.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Start\Companions\Microsoft.YourPhone_8wekyb3d8bbwe

Next, double-click the value (REG_DWORD) name on the IsEnabled key’s right pane to open it.

Then, enter a value 1 to turn on or show the “Show mobile device in Start” feature in Windows 11.

Enter a value 0 to turn off or hide the “Show mobile device in Start” feature in Windows 11.

If you do not see the “IsEnabled” item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry item.

Then, enter the name “IsEnabled” and a desired value to enable or disable it.

Warning: Editing the Registry can be risky and, if not done correctly, may cause irreversible damage to your installation. It’s recommended that you back up your PC before proceeding.

Save your changes and restart your computer.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• The Windows 11 Beta Channel Phone Link app provides a seamless connection between your mobile device and PC.
• Adding the Phone Link menu to the Start menu lets you conveniently access your mobile device’s functionalities from your PC.
• Ensure that your device meets the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build requirements 22635.3790 and higher in the Beta Channel and Phone Link version 1.24052.124.0 and higher.
• You can manage the “Show mobile device in Start” feature through the Settings app or the Windows Registry Editor, but exercise caution when making changes in the Registry.
• Once the desired option is set, consider restarting your computer to apply the changes effectively.