Microsoft is currently testing a new feature that facilitates seamless file sharing between iPhones and Windows PCs. This update, available to Windows Insiders, is part of ongoing improvements to the Phone Link app. It enables file sharing between iPhones running iOS 16 or later and Windows 10 or 11 PCs through the Phone Link and Link to Windows apps. This feature builds on previous efforts by Microsoft to enhance the Phone Link app, which has faced limitations due to Apple’s operating system restrictions.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has made significant progress in improving Phone Link for both iOS and Android devices. In the previous year, the company introduced the ability to send and receive iMessages, though with some notable limitations. For instance, it only supports one-on-one conversations (excluding group chats) and requires the app to remain open for messages to be sent or received. This functionality uses Bluetooth and system notifications to work around Apple's restrictive OS controls.

While the iOS version of Phone Link lacks advanced integrations such as app mirroring, unlike its Android counterpart, the new file-sharing feature represents a major step forward in enhancing cross-platform functionality.

To share files from an iPhone to a PC, users simply select the files they want to share, tap the share icon, choose “Link to Windows,” and select the target PC. On the other hand, when sharing from a PC to an iPhone, users right-click on the files, select “Share,” and choose “My Phone.”

To use this feature, users must have an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, install the Link to Windows app (version 1.24112.73 or higher) and the Phone Link app (version 1.24112.89.0 or higher), and be part of the Windows Insider Program. New users will see the file-sharing option during Phone Link setup, while existing users can enable it via aka.ms/addAccount.

Currently, this update is available to Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout expected to reach all Phone Link users in the near future.