How to Drag and Drop Files Between Phone and Windows 11

Richard
Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional
Apr 15, 2023 Updated Apr 16, 2026 2 min read

Moving files between your phone and your Windows 11 computer is easier than ever. You can use the Phone Link app  to link your phones together for quick data transfers.

Why use this? It removes the need for cables or emailing files to yourself. It saves time when you need a photo or document on your PC right away.

What happens when done? You will have a direct bridge between your devices, allowing you to move files by simply clicking and dragging them.

The Phone Link app lets you use your phone apps on your PC. You can use a Wi-Fi connection or Bluetooth connection to browse, chat, and move files. You can move up to 100 files at once, as long as they are not folders and are under 512 MB in size.

Copy files from your PC to your phone

First, open your phone screen using the Phone Link app.

Open File Explorer on your computer to view your phone screen on your PC. By default, files sent to your phone are saved in the Downloads folder.

  1. Open File Explorer on your computer.
  2. Find the file you want to move.
  3. Click and hold the file.
  4. Drag the file over to your phone screen window and let go.

The file will save to the Files -> Download folder on your phone.

Copy files from your phone to your PC

To move a file the other way, find the file inside your phone’s Gallery or Download folder on your screen. Click and drag the file from the phone window and drop it onto your computer desktop.

Alternatively, you can use install and set up OneDrive on both devices to back up and sync your files automatically.

Summary

  • The Phone Link app connects your phone to Windows for easy file sharing.
  • You can drag and drop individual files, but not folders.
  • There is a 512 MB size limit per transfer.
  • OneDrive is a great backup alternative if you need to move folders or larger amounts of data.

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights 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.

Expertise:Windows 11Ubuntu LinuxCMSApps and Browsers
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