Users can connect Android devices and Windows PCs together with the Phone Link (previously known as Your Phone) app. However, when that program is broken, users cannot use it. On support forums, several users have complained that they need to resolve Phone Link’s Windows launch issues. In order to get the Phone Link app up and running in Windows 11, try using one of these potential fixes. Here’s how to fix Phone Link not working in Windows 11.
What is the Phone Link app?
The Apple ecosystem is one of the places where even the greatest Android smartphones fall short. The Android ecosystem has come a long way in the last few years, but it still falls well short of iOS in terms of quality. The apparent offender is device fragmentation, which has contributed to Android’s other issues, like software updates. Microsoft introduced Phone Link to counter the MacBook-iPhone combination, and it does most things correctly.
To begin with, by connecting an iOS smartphone to a MacBook, you can perform a variety of tasks from your computer, such as answering calls, sending and receiving texts, rapidly transferring files using AirDrop, and more. Phone Link is the closest thing Android users have to a Windows-Android ecosystem while lacking some of the advantages of the MacBook-iPhone connection. Introduced in 2018, Phone Link lets you receive and send messages, calls, and photos from your Windows PC by pairing your Android handset with the computer over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
How to Fix Phone Link Not Working in Windows 11?
It is easy to get annoyed if the Phone Link doesn’t work properly. However, there are a couple of troubleshooting steps you can try to fix this issue. So let’s get on to it.
Use Troubleshooter
The Windows Store App troubleshooter was created to address problems that prevent apps from beginning correctly. Therefore, while not always, that troubleshooter could assist certain users in fixing the Phone Link app when it’s broken. So, if your app is having problems, you should give it a shot first.
- Open Settings on Windows 11.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot.
- Click on Other Troubleshooters.
- Select the Run button next to Windows Store.
Update App
Issues occur more frequently with older app versions. Users must therefore make sure the most recent Phone Link version is installed.
- Go to the Microsoft’s App Store.
- Click on Library.
- Click on Get Updates.
Reset and Repair
Some users have been able to solve the Phone Link app’s malfunction by using the Repair and Reset options. These two troubleshooting options are found in Settings for practically all apps. Select the Phone Link app’s Reset option. Additionally, click the App Repair button that is located directly above the Reset button.
Allow to Run in Background
When it is not permitted to operate in the background, the Phone Link cannot function properly. Therefore, make sure that Phone Link’s background app permissions are set to always. This is how you may configure Settings to have that app always operate in the background.
- Go to Settings > Apps. Click on Apps again.
- Access the Apps & Features tool.
- Find the Phone Link app and click on the 3-dot menu icon.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Select Always on Background App Permissions.
Disable Battery Saving
When activated, Windows 11’s battery-saving mode for laptops limits background program activity. Disabling that option may be able to help certain users who are experiencing problems with Phone Link because it can make it difficult for it to run in the background. By doing the following, you can disable the battery-saver feature in Windows 11.
- Go to System Settings.
- Navigate to Power & Battery option.
- Click on Battery Saver.
- Turn off the feature.
Allow Data Sharing Across Linked Devices
Data sharing is necessary for the Phone Link app. For Phone Link to function, data sharing for connected devices must be enabled. For that, you can grant the following permissions.
- Open Apps & Features tool.
- Click on Advanced Features.
- Find and click on Share Across Devices.
- Select My Devices Only.
Disable Anti-Virus Software
A third-party anti-virus program you may have installed on your computer may be preventing the Phone Link app from synchronizing with your Android device. Antivirus software frequently incorrectly classifies genuine apps as malware, preventing them from launching properly. Exclusion lists for software are therefore a common feature of anti-virus software. See if there is an exclusion option on your anti-virus software.
Disable the protection of your antivirus program for a while to see whether it’s contributing to any Phone Link troubles. On the context menu of your anti-virus program, you should be able to disable the shield. With the right mouse button pressed, select the option to disable the shield of your anti-virus program by clicking the icon in the system tray. Check to see if Phone Link performs any better after turning off your antivirus software.
If it fixes the problem, add Phone Link to the exclusion list in your antivirus program. As an alternative, uninstall the antivirus program to be sure it cannot affect the application. Windows Security which comes pre-installed is a solid alternative.
Reinstall the App
If there are any damaged or missing files for that application, reinstalling Phone Link will fix them. However, the Phone Link Uninstall option is typically disabled in Settings. Instead, you must use a PowerShell command to remove the Phone Link.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator on Windows 11. To do so Right Click on the PowerShell icon and click on Run as Administrator.
- Enter the following command.
et-AppxPackage Microsoft.YourPhone -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
- Go to App Store and search for Phone Link.
- Download the app.
When it functions properly, Phone Link is useful software for connecting smartphones to Windows PCs. The potential remedies listed above should take care of many of the reasons why Phone Link isn’t working in Windows, however, this isn’t a guarantee. Hopefully, we could help you Fix Phone Link Not Working.
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