TL;DR
- Microsoft is adding iPhone integration to the Windows 11 Start menu, allowing users to access battery status, messages, calls, and notifications directly from their PC.
- You can now share files between your iPhone and Windows 11 PC using the Start menu interface, making transfers quicker and easier.
- To use the feature, you need Windows 11 Build 4805 (Beta) or 26120.3000 (Dev), Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher, a Microsoft account, and Bluetooth LE support.
- Currently available to Windows Insiders in Dev and Beta Channels, the feature will likely roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months.
Microsoft is bringing iPhone integration to the Windows 11 Start menu, expanding on the Android features introduced in the 2024 update.
This move allows iPhone users to access their phone’s battery status, notifications, messages, calls, and photos directly from their Windows 11 PC.
If you’re an iPhone owner with a Windows 11 laptop or desktop, this update could make your workflow smoother.
Seamless Integration for iPhone Users
Windows Insiders can now test the new Windows 11 iPhone integration feature. According to Microsoft’s blog post, this integration mirrors the experience Android users have enjoyed since last year.
You can view your iPhone’s battery status, check connectivity, access messages, pick up calls, and track recent activities—all from the Start menu.
This feature builds on Microsoft’s Phone Link app, which has been evolving over the years. In 2023, Microsoft added iMessage support for iPhone users, allowing you to send and receive texts on your PC via Bluetooth.
Now, the Start menu integration takes it a step further, making these features more accessible.
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Another key addition is the ability to share files between your iPhone and Windows 11 PC. Microsoft started testing this feature in December 2024, and it’s now part of the Start menu interface.
You can quickly transfer photos or documents using the native “Share” feature in Windows 11. This eliminates the need for third-party apps or cables, streamlining the process.
How to Get Started
To use the new Windows 11 Start menu iPhone integration, you’ll need Windows 11 Build 4805 or higher in the Beta Channel, or Build 26120.3000 or higher in the Dev Channel.
Your PC must also have Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher, be signed in with a Microsoft account, and support Bluetooth LE. Note that this feature isn’t available on PCs running Pro Education or Education SKUs.
Once your PC is updated, open the Start menu, select iPhone, and follow the on-screen instructions. After connecting, you’ll see your phone’s content directly on the Start menu.
You can manage these settings under Settings > Personalization > Start, where you can also turn off the sidebar panel if needed.
Behind the Scenes: Adaptive Cards Power the Feature
The Start menu’s sidebar is powered by Microsoft’s Adaptive Cards, the same technology behind the widgets board.
This suggests that Microsoft might open the sidebar to developers in the future, allowing them to create custom widgets similar to Phone Link.
What’s Next?
For now, the feature is available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. Microsoft plans to roll it out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months.
If you’re an iPhone user, this update could make your Windows 11 experience more cohesive, especially if you rely on your PC for work or communication.
