Windows 11 and Windows 10 Introduce Android Storage Integration in File Explorer, Eliminating USB Needs

Microsoft’s Phone Link is a fantastic tool for Android users, and its capabilities are continuously being enhanced with new updates. Recently, I discussed the integration of Copilot and AI in Phone Link for Android messages. Now, the much-anticipated feature known as “Android in File Explorer” is being made available to all users on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

This functionality isn’t directly included within the “Phone Link” experience but is part of the larger “Manage mobile devices” framework. The integration of Android in File Explorer is facilitated by a system component referred to as “Cross-Device Experience Host,” which receives updates through the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft has verified to Windows Latest that this feature began its rollout to all users in October.

In the upcoming days, most users should start to automatically see their Android device’s storage in File Explorer, according to Microsoft. It appears to be a server-side update, so ensure you are using the latest versions of Windows 10 or Windows 11.

In our trials, we found that the shortcut for accessing Android storage automatically appeared in File Explorer across all devices, including those running Windows 10.

Initially, this feature was restricted to Windows 11 testers. However, Microsoft has now decided to expand the rollout to include all Windows 10 users as well.

Impressive Execution of Android Integration in File Explorer

The integration of Android storage within File Explorer stands out as a highly effective cross-platform feature in Windows 11. It operates seamlessly, allowing me to view all my documents, photos, and files directly from my Android device (specifically my Galaxy S23) within File Explorer.

This experience mimics the access provided by a USB connection, but thanks to the enhanced integration via Cross Device Experience Host, it operates entirely wirelessly.

With the Android integration in Windows 11, you can open File Explorer and see your phone listed in the left sidebar. By clicking on this shortcut, you can access your phone’s internal storage directly within File Explorer.

This setup is just like connecting your phone to a PC with a USB cable, letting you browse through all your files and folders, including media files located in your DCIM folder, which stores camera pictures, among others.

You also have the capability to select, rename, or delete folders and files, with changes synced immediately to your mobile device.

In addition, you can copy or delete items. Transferring files between different folders within your phone’s internal storage is also straightforward. Notably, when you delete a file from your phone using Windows 11, it relocates to a new Recycle Bin folder on the phone, where it will be permanently deleted after 30 days.

Requirements to Access Android Phone Storage on Windows 11 or 10

To take advantage of this feature, there are certain requirements to fulfill.

According to Microsoft, users can expect integration of Android File Explorer to function if they meet the following criteria:

1. Android version 11 or later.
2. Link to Windows app version 1.24071 or newer.
3. Ensure that you have updated the Cross Device Experience Host through the Microsoft Store, and that your phone is connected on the “Mobile devices” page. For Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile Devices.
   
4. In Windows 10, it can be accessed separately through the Settings Home.

Using the Phone Link app is not a requirement for the Android integration to function, as, as noted previously, it operates under the Cross Device Experience Host framework.

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