Atti Abderrahim
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File sharing between devices could soon become much easier for Windows operating systems. Microsoft is working on a new feature that mirrors the seamless experience offered by Apple’s AirDrop, making file transfers between your PC and smartphone more straightforward.
Who hasn’t needed to send files from their PC to their smartphone (and vice versa)? Currently, the Mobile Connect app allows you to link your Android phone to your Windows PC, giving you access to your phone’s content directly on your computer. Now, seemingly taking a page out of Cupertino’s playbook, Microsoft has announced the arrival of a new feature within Windows that simplifies communication between your devices, similar to Apple’s AirDrop.
File Sharing: Finally, a True AirDrop Equivalent in Windows?
In a newly released document, Microsoft has outlined its plans to enhance file sharing between PCs and mobile devices. Although the American tech giant has been somewhat behind its Cupertino-based competitor in this area, it’s clear that significant efforts are being made to simplify the interaction between Windows and Android devices. As seen in a preview version of Windows 11, users will soon be able to access their smartphone data directly through File Explorer.
However, the latest announcement from Microsoft is even more promising. The company is developing a feature that will allow you to share files between two devices seamlessly when they are connected via Phone Link and the Link to Windows app. How does it work? Let’s dive in!
Seamless File Transfer
According to reports from Windows Central, this new feature functions similarly to AirDrop but is tailored for the Windows/Android ecosystem. Essentially, sharing a file between devices will soon be possible directly from the integrated sharing menu of your device. This should significantly reduce the number of steps required to send a file from your PC to your smartphone (or vice versa).
Suppose you want to send a photo from your PC to one of your Android devices. First, select the file, then right-click on it. Choose “Share” and select the Phone Link option to see the device that will receive the photo (the process is quite similar when sharing from a mobile device).
For now, this feature is available exclusively to members of the Windows Insiders program. Note that you’ll need a PC running Windows 10 (with the May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11, as well as an Android device running Android 9.0 or later, to use this new file sharing method.
Sources : Microsoft, Windows Central
