How to Allow Phone Link to Display Apps in Windows 11
Phone Link is a free Microsoft app that displays your Android phone screen and apps directly on your Windows 11 PC. The feature lets you open, type in, and click through your mobile apps using your computer mouse and keyboard.
You need a supported Android device and Windows 11 build 22621 or later to run phone apps on your desktop. Setting up this feature bridges your mobile tools and desktop workspace into one screen.
Open the Phone Link app on your computer, click the Settings gear, select the Features tab, and toggle “Allow the Phone Link app to display apps from my phone” to On. This will enable app streaming from your linked phone.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Running Android apps through Phone Link on Windows 11 requires a PC running Windows 11 with the latest updates and a compatible phone like a Samsung Galaxy, Surface Duo, or select HONOR, OPPO, and ASUS models. Both your computer and phone must also connect to the same local Wi-Fi network for the app streaming feature to work properly.
Your PC needs to run Windows 11 with all the latest updates. You also need a compatible Android device, like a Samsung Galaxy, Surface Duo, or certain models from HONOR, OPPO, and ASUS. Connect both your phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network for smooth app streaming (meaning the apps feel responsive and quick).
Initial Pairing Checklist
Setting up Android apps in Phone Link starts by pairing your phone and PC through the Link to Windows app. Download the app from the Google Play Store onto your phone, open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 computer, choose Android, and scan the QR code on your screen to finish linking the two devices.
- Install the Link to Windows app on your Android device from the Google Play Store.
- Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC.
- Select Android as your device type.
- Use your phone to scan the QR code pairing displayed on your computer screen.
- Grant the necessary permissions on your phone to allow app streaming and notifications.
How to Display Android Apps in Phone Link
Showing Android apps directly on your Windows 11 desktop requires turning on a specific feature inside the Phone Link app. Open the app, click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner, go to the Features tab, and switch on the Apps section to start viewing and opening your phone apps on your PC.
- Open the Phone Link app on your computer.
- Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Select the Features tab.
Under the Apps section, toggle the switch for "Allow the Phone Link app to display apps from my phone" to On.
Once enabled, you can pin your favorite mobile apps to your Windows taskbar or Start menu for quick access.
However, if you encounter permission errors, make sure your user account has standard access to the C:\Windows\System32 folder for background services.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Fixing connection problems when Android apps refuse to show up in Phone Link usually involves checking your network and notification settings. Make sure both your phone and PC share the exact same Wi-Fi network, and turn off Focus Assist or Do Not Disturb on your computer because these modes block app streaming.
- Wi-Fi Network: Ensure both devices are on the same local network.
- Focus Assist: Disable Focus Assist or Do Not Disturb mode on Windows, as these can block app notifications and streaming.
- Battery Saver: Turn off battery saver mode on both your phone and PC, as it often restricts background data transfer.
- Updates: Check the Microsoft Store for updates to the Phone Link app and the Google Play Store for updates to Link to Windows.
Summary
Using Android apps with Phone Link on Windows 11 connects your phone and PC to boost productivity. By checking the hardware needs and pairing steps, you can stream apps smoothly. If you run into problems, confirm your network settings and ensure all apps are up-to-date.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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