How to Turn On or Off Always Open Phone Link Apps in Expanded Screen on Windows 11
This guide explains how to change your settings so Android apps always open in a larger, expanded window when using the Phone Link app (Microsoft’s tool for connecting your phone to your PC) on your PC.
Open the Phone Link app, click the Settings gear icon, navigate to Features, then Apps, and check or uncheck the “Always open apps in expanded screen” box. This setting controls whether your phone apps launch in a larger, expanded window or the default compact view.
Why do this?
Sometimes the default view for phone apps on your computer feels too small. Opening apps in an expanded view makes them much easier to use with your mouse and keyboard on a larger screen.
What happens when done?
Turning on the ‘Always open apps in expanded screen’ setting means your Android apps will automatically show up larger on your PC, not in a small box. This makes using your phone apps on your computer much easier, letting you chat and browse right from your Windows 11 device.
If you have the Phone Link app connected to your Android phone, you can use your mobile apps directly on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. This works over Wi-Fi and lets you chat, browse, and play using your computer’s keyboard and monitor.
Starting with version 1.25091.39.0 of the app, you can choose how these windows appear.
How to change your settings
Changing your Phone Link settings to always open apps in an expanded screen on Windows 11 is simple. You don’t need special permission to do it. Just open the Phone Link app on your PC, click the gear icon for Settings, then go to Features and select Apps.
- Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
- Click the Settings (gear) icon.
- Click on Features in the center menu.
- On the right side, click on Apps to see more options.
- Check the box to turn Always open apps in expanded screen on, or uncheck it to turn it off.
Summary
You can control whether your phone apps open in a small window or a larger, expanded one by default by adjusting these settings in the Phone Link app. This makes it much better to interact with your mobile apps using your PC hardware.
What is the Phone Link extended screen?
The Phone Link extended screen is a helpful feature that lets your Android apps open in a bigger window on your Windows PC, making them easier to use.
Can you make a Phone Link full screen?
Yes, you can make your Phone Link apps appear much larger on your Windows computer by changing a setting to open them in an expanded view.
How do I expand my phone screen?
To expand your phone screen view within the Phone Link app, you just need to go into the app’s settings on your PC and turn on the option for expanded windows.
How do I get my phone screen back to normal size on Android?
To make your Android apps on Phone Link go back to their normal, smaller size, simply go back to the app’s settings and turn off the expanded window option.
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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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