Smartphones have, for the most part, replaced digital cameras and have now become the primary means of taking pictures. And while they've also grown quite powerful, many people still find it better to edit captured photos on a computer, which offers a lot more features for that purpose. Unfortunately, transferring your photos to your PC can be quite hectic, or at least it used to be.

Microsoft recently updated its Phone Link app, which lets you connect your Android phone to your Windows computer, allowing you to quickly transfer your photos from the former to the latter. This means you can now edit your Android photos on your PC very easily. Here is how you can try out the feature.

Connect your Android device to your PC

Before you can start editing Android photos on your Windows 11 PC, you will need to connect both devices.

  1. First, download and install the Microsoft Phone Link app on your Android device from the Google Play Store.
  2. Now, open the Settings app on your Windows PC using the Win + I shortcut and then click on 'Bluetooth and Devices' on the left.
  1. On the Bluetooth and Devices page, click on 'Mobile Devices'.
  1. Click on the 'Allow this PC to access your mobile devices' toggle to turn it on and then click on the 'Manage devices' button.
  1. Windows may ask you to use your Microsoft account to set up your devices. You can select the account you are signed in with or sign in with a different account.
  2. A new window will pop up showing all your connected devices. Click on 'Add device'.
  1. A QR code will appear on your screen. Scan it using the Android device you want to connect.
  1. Once you scan the code, a new window will open up containing a secret code. Enter the code in the Phone Link app on your Android device to finish adding your device.
  2. Once your device is added, it should be visible in the 'Mobile Devices' section. Make sure the toggle next to it is turned on. If it isn't, click on it to enable it. Also, turn on the 'Get new photo notifications' option.
  1. Now your Android device and Windows PC are connected. The Phone Link app on your phone should show the status as 'Connected' along with the name of your computer.

Transferring Android photos to Windows

Now that your devices are connected, you can move your Android photos to your Windows PC for editing.

  1. Capture a new photo with your connected Android device and a new notification should show up on your computer.
  2. Click on the notification and it will open in the Windows Snipping tool.
  1. Now you can edit it directly or open it in other applications like Paint. If you miss the notification, click on the bell icon on the bottom right to open the Notification Center where it will be visible.

Things to know

  • Your phone and PC can get disconnected at times, which can prevent the feature from working properly. If that happens, wait for the devices to be connected before trying again.
  • You can allow the Phone Link to keep running in the background on your phone to ensure it remains connected to your computer.
  • Check that your internet connection is stable and that you do not already have a photo opened in the Snipping Tool, otherwise the feature may not work properly.
  • If you run into issues, try disconnecting and reconnecting your devices.
  • Sometimes, clicking on the new photo notification does not work until you minimize or close all open windows.