Microsoft is developing a new feature that will simplify file sharing between Windows and Android devices. This upcoming functionality, known as Quick Share, is set to be an equivalent of Apple’s AirDrop for the Windows-Android ecosystem, according to Windows Central.
Microsoft has updated its support documentation to provide users with instructions on how to begin using these new file-sharing capabilities. Quick Share operates similarly to AirDrop but is designed to connect Windows computers with Android devices. The feature will enable users to share files between devices using Phone Link and the Link to Windows program.
How It Works and What to Expect
The process of sending a file from a computer to a smartphone will be straightforward. Users will simply need to right-click on the file, select “share,” choose Phone Link, and the file will be automatically sent to the connected phone without requiring additional permissions. Notably, the smartphone will not need to grant extra permission to receive data from the computer, streamlining the process.
It’s worth mentioning that this new feature is distinct from the existing cross-device copy and paste functionality that has been available in Phone Link since 2020. Quick Share is designed to offer a more seamless and integrated file-sharing experience between Windows PCs and Android devices.
Currently, the feature is available for testing to a limited number of Windows Insiders on the Release Preview channel, notes NIX Solutions. Microsoft plans to roll out this functionality to all users in the near future. We’ll keep you updated on the wider release of Quick Share as more information becomes available.
System Requirements and Availability
To use Quick Share, users will need:
- A PC running Windows 10 (May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11
- A smartphone running Android 9.0 or later
- The appropriate versions of the Phone Link and Link to Windows applications installed on both devices
As Microsoft continues to refine and expand this feature, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving cross-device functionality and creating a more integrated ecosystem for Windows and Android users. This development is likely to be welcomed by those who frequently work across multiple devices and require efficient file-sharing solutions.