Windows 11 and Android smartphones are now even closer
Windows 11 and Android Smartphones Get Even Closer
Microsoft has significantly expanded the integration capabilities of Windows 11 with Android smartphones. The stable version of the Phone Link app now features the long-awaited Expanded Screen function, which radically changes the traditional way of working with mobile apps on a computer.
Previously, users could only mirror their smartphone screen to a PC—this window strictly mirrored the proportions of the mobile device, remaining small and not very convenient for work. Now, the new feature allows the image to stretch nearly across the entire monitor—up to 90% of the screen area. This approach creates the effect of using a tablet interface: the space becomes noticeably wider, text and controls are easier to see, and interaction with the app is more comfortable.
To use the Expanded Screen feature, several technical conditions must be met. First, the computer and smartphone must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Second, the PC needs to have the latest version of the Phone Link app (version 1.25112.36.0 or higher). Third, the mobile device must have the Link to Windows service preinstalled.
Support for Expanded Screen is announced for devices from several popular brands: Samsung, Honor, Oppo, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. The smartphone must be running Android 11 or a newer version of the operating system.
When switching to widescreen mode, some features should be considered. Certain apps may require a restart to display correctly in the new format. Additionally, due to the significant stretching of the image, clarity may sometimes be lost—this depends on how well the app itself is adapted to changing screen proportions.
Expanded Screen is just one part of the expansive Phone Link ecosystem, which already offers users a whole set of convenient features. For instance, you can pin Android app shortcuts to the Windows Start menu and taskbar, run multiple programs simultaneously in separate windows, and control mobile apps using a computer keyboard and mouse.
The update with the new feature is distributed through the Microsoft Store and gradually becomes available to users. Thus, Microsoft continues to consistently develop the cross-platform capabilities of Windows 11, making interaction between personal computers and smartphones even more convenient, natural, and functional.