Windows

How to Enable Photo Notifications on Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Jan 18, 2024 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

This guide explains how to see alerts on your Windows 11 computer whenever you take a new photo on your phone.

The Windows Mobile devices (or Phone Link) app lets you connect your phone to your computer. A new update now allows your PC to show a notification as soon as you snap a picture or take a screenshot on your Android device.

Starting with Windows 11 build 23619 (Dev), you can even open these images directly in the Snipping Tool on your PC for quick edits.

To start, you must first go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices and turn on “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices.”

How to turn on photo notifications

Follow these steps to set up your alerts.

Open the Settings app

Open the Windows Settings app. You can click the Start menu and select Settings, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Go to Bluetooth & devices

Inside the Settings app, click the Bluetooth & devices option on the left menu.
Select Mobile devices

Click the Mobile devices tile on the right side of the screen.
Click Manage devices

Click the Manage devices button under the “Allow this PC to access your mobile device” section.
Enable new photo notifications

Find the Get new photo notifications option. Click the switch to turn it to the On position.

Once you finish these steps, your computer will alert you whenever a new photo or screenshot is saved to your phone.

Get new photo notifications from Mobile devices in Windows 11

Why use this feature?

This feature keeps you updated. You won’t have to manually check your phone for new pictures. You can see and edit your images on your PC immediately after taking them.

What happens when you enable this?

Your PC will show a pop-up alert every time you take a photo or screenshot on your Android device. You can click the alert to open and edit the image in your Snipping Tool.

Summary

This guide explained how to turn “Get new photo notifications” on or off on Windows 11. This feature bridges the gap between your phone and your PC, allowing for instant access to your mobile images. To use this, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices and ensure the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” setting is active.

For more details or to share your feedback, visit Microsoft blog.

How do I enable photo notifications on Windows 11?

To enable photo notifications on Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. Then, select 'Get new photo notifications' and toggle the switch to the On position.

What is the 'Get new photo notifications' feature?

'Get new photo notifications' allows Windows 11 users to receive instant notifications on their PC whenever a new photo or screenshot is captured on their Android mobile device. This feature enhances the integration between mobile and PC.

Can I disable photo notifications on Windows 11?

Yes, you can disable photo notifications by navigating to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. Select 'Get new photo notifications' and toggle the switch to the Off position.

Do I need to connect my mobile device to use photo notifications?

Yes, you must first allow your PC to access your mobile devices by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices and enabling 'Allow this PC to access your mobile devices' before you can use the photo notifications feature.

What should I do if I don't see the photo notifications option?

If you don't see the photo notifications option, ensure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest build, as this feature is being rolled out gradually. You may also want to check your Bluetooth settings and ensure your mobile device is properly connected.

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Tags: #Windows 11