The Windows Insider program has received a new update that makes managing your Android phone storage easier. On the latest build, you can access the smartphone files through File Explorer of Windows 11. Currently in the testing phase, this feature eliminates the need to connect your phone to the PC for file management.
Speaking of which, not all Windows Insiders are eligible to enjoy this new feature. Besides having the latest Windows 11 Insider build, your Android phone needs to run on Android 11 or higher. The smartphone must also have the Link to Windows app beta version 1.24071 or higher.
If you meet all the requirements, you can access your phone's files by giving your Windows 11 PC the necessary permissions. As Microsoft instructs, to give your PC the permissions, you have to head over to Settings, navigate to Bluetooth & Devices, click on Mobile Devices, and select Manage Device. There should be an "Access in File Explorer" toggle; turn it on. If it's not there, you need to wait until the latest patch is available to download.
In case you're unaware, this isn't the only feature that Microsoft has introduced to make your Android smartphone play well with your Windows 11 system. Previously, the company introduced the Your Phone app. It's a built-in service that allows you to get phone notifications directly on your PC. The app also allows you to mirror the screen, letting you run apps on your phone from your computer (Lenovo Legion Slim 5 16" Windows gaming laptop curr. $1,223.99 on Best Buy).