Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for the Windows 11 File Explorer through its Insider Channels, the company announced on July 25. With its introduction, s will now be able to see their Android smartphones in the File Explorer when it is connected wirelessly via the Link to Windows app. This development builds upon a previous server-side artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, to send a text message or summarise messages in their handset's inbox.
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In a blog Windows 11 File Explorer is available across all Windows Insider channels to s ed as Windows Insiders. By connecting their Android smartphones wirelessly to their PCs via the Link to Windows app, s can browse through their files, folders and media located on their handset from the File Explorer.

Android Smartphone Visibility in Windows 11 File Explorer
Photo Credit: Microsoft
In addition to browsing capabilities, they can open, rename and delete files from their device, while also moving/copying them from their PC to their smartphone or vice versa. However, there are a few prerequisites for using this feature.
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According to Microsoft, the should:
- Have a smartphone running on Android 11.0 or higher firmware
- Have the beta version of the Link to Windows app installed on the phone (version 1.24071 and higher)
- Be ed on the Windows Insider Program with the PC running on Windows 11
- Have opted for any of the four Windows 11 Insider channels
Once the aforementioned conditions are fulfilled, s can go to Settings on their PC and then to the Bluetooth & devices tab. Next, they should select the Mobile Devices option and give permission for the PC to access their Android smartphone. A toggle to enable its visibility in File Explorer should then appear.
According to Microsoft, if s cannot see this option, then the feature may have yet to roll out to them. Although it has been introduced, it is still under testing. Thus, s may encounter issues while using this feature. Some known issues include syncing problems, a non-working automatic deletion feature and more.