Tech tip: How to connect an Android phone to a Windows 10 PC

Microsoft Windows is the most used operating system in the world. Windows 10 launched nearly six years ago and has been installed on more than a billion devices.

We are still finding tricks and tips for Microsoft’s popular OS as the tech giant itself releases updates and patches. Privacy should always be a priority, which becomes more important when using a PC shared by others. Tap or click here to password-protect files on Windows 10.

Even the most diehard Android fans use Windows for work, hobbies, business and more. A desktop app for Windows 10 lets you add your phone’s functions to your computer, whether it runs on iOS or Android. And guess what? Apple users don’t get nearly as much power with this function. Read on to see how it works.

Leave your phone in your pocket

Let’s say you’re busy at work and you get a text. Maybe your phone is in your pocket or a few feet away. Perhaps you don’t want your boss to see you messing around with your phone.

The My Phone app lets you access your phone from your desktop, so you can make and receive texts and calls, check notifications, get into your photo albums and even open apps.

This feature works for select Android and Samsung devices. Here’s what you need to get started:

  • The Your Phone Companion app on your Android phone or the pre-installed Link to Windows app on your Samsung Galaxy phone. Both can be found in the Google Play Store under one name: Your Phone Companion – Link to Windows.
  • You’ll also need the Your Phone app from the Microsoft Store.
  • A PC running Windows 10 April 2018 Update or later. To check which version you are running, click the Start Menu and go to Settings > System > About. To update Windows, click the Start Menu and go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • An Android device running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later. Go to your phone’s Settings to check your Android version and update if necessary.
  • Your phone and PC must be connected to the same Wi-Fi.

Now that you’re all set up, here’s how to link devices starting with your PC:

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