If you use an iPhone and a Windows PC, you’ve probably noticed how difficult it can be to share files between the two devices. But that may soon change, thanks to a new feature being tested by Microsoft. The company is working on an update for its Phone Link app, which will make it much easier to transfer files between iPhone and Windows PC.

Microsoft announced this in a blog post, saying that the feature is now available to people in the Windows Insiders program. For those who don’t know, Phone Link is an app for Windows PC that helps your phone and computer work together. It already supports features like showing your phone’s notifications on your computer and letting you answer calls directly from your PC. Now, Microsoft is expanding its capabilities to include file sharing for iPhone users.

iPhone and Windows File Sharing: How it Works

As mentioned above, the new feature is still in its testing phase, so only Windows Insiders can try it out right now. To use it you will need a few things:

— Your iPhone must be running iOS 16 or newer.
— You need to install Link to Windows app with version 1.24112.73 or higher on your iPhone.
— The Phone Link app in your Windows PC must be updated to version 1.24112.89.0 or later.
– Once everything is set up, the Link to Windows app will appear as a sharing option on your iPhone. This means you will be able to select files or photos on your iPhone, tap the Share button, and send them directly to your Windows PC.

If you’re not part of the Windows Insiders program, don’t worry. Microsoft says it plans to introduce this feature to all Windows 10 and Windows 11 users in the coming months. This means that you will finally be able to use it without having to sign up for a special trial program.

For years, Apple’s ecosystem has made it easy for iPhone users to share files with Macs using AirDrop. But if you’re an iPhone owner who prefers to use a Windows PC, you’re left without a similar solution. Microsoft’s update aims to bridge this gap and make life a little easier for people living in this mixed ecosystem.

Still, this is not a perfect solution yet. Microsoft has faced some challenges with the Phone Link app when working with iOS. For example, Apple’s restrictions have made it difficult to include some features. In 2023, Microsoft added basic iMessage support to the Phone Link app, allowing iPhone users to send and receive texts from their PC. However, the app doesn’t support group texts via iMessage, and it can’t mirror iPhone apps to a Windows PC.

Although this new feature is a big step forward, there is still room for improvement. Microsoft appears to be committed to making the Phone Link app more useful for iPhone users, even if Apple’s ecosystem has its own limitations. So, if you’ve been waiting for an easier way to share files between your iPhone and Windows PC, this update might be the solution you need.