3 Ways to Connect Android Phone to Windows PC?

In today’s digital world, almost everyone has a smartphone and a laptop/desktop computer. It is easy to keep photos, files and download content from the internet on a single device. However, sometimes you may need to transfer files between your phone and computer. In addition, you may also want to check phone’s activities from PC so that you are not missing notification, message or call. In this article, we will discusses three different methods to connect your Android phone to Windows PC. If you have iPhone and Mac, check our separate article on how to transfer file between them.

Connect Android to PC

Follow one of the below methods to connect your Android phone to Windows PC. You can use these methods for file transfer or for monitoring Android phone’s activities from Windows PC.

Method 1: Using a USB Cable

If you want to transfer files back and forth, you can easily do so by connecting your phone to a PC using a USB cable. However, this connection is ideal file transfer but cannot be used to remotely control your phone.

• Connect the micro-USB end of the cable to the phone’s charging port and the USB end to the PC USB port.
• Unlock the phone and swipe down the screen to access the notifications.
• Look for the USB connection notification and tap on it. You will see list of options and and select “File transfer”.

• Click the notification that appears on your computer screen. On the window that opens, click the “Open device to view files” option.
• Press “Win + E” shortcut keys to open the Windows File Explorer. Click “This PC” to expand and you will find your Android phone listed there.
• Double click the device to open and browse the folders and files on your phone.
• Now, you can simply copy and paste the files between the phone and computer.

Method 2: Connecting Android Device to a PC with Bluetooth

Most modern PCs have a Bluetooth feature that allows you to connect and transfer files between your Android phone and the computer.

Turn on Bluetooth on Both Devices

• Unlock your phone and swipe down the screen. Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it on. You can also enable Bluetooth from the phone settings.
• On Windows 10 computer, open the Windows Settings app and select “Device” settings.
• On the left pane, click “Bluetooth” and if switched off, slide the toggle switch to the right to turn it on.

• If you are using Windows 11, open Settings app and go to “Bluetooth & devices” section. There you can turn on Bluetooth option below the list of devices.

Pairing the Devices

• On your Android phone, long press the Bluetooth icon to see the available devices.
• Tap on your computer name and pair it with your phone.
• A dialog will pop up on both your mobile and computer screen. Select the “Pair” option on both screens to complete the connection.

Transferring Files Over Bluetooth Connection

• To transfer files from the PC to your phone, right-click the Bluetooth icon in taskbar system tray (it may be hidden behind the up arrow icon).
• On the fly out menu that appears, select “Send a File” option.

• Select the Bluetooth device from the paired devices and click “Next”.
• Browse your computer to select the file you want to transfer and  click “Next” to initiate the transfer.

• You will receive a notification on your phone and tap to accept the file.
• To transfer a file from the phone to the computer, right click the Bluetooth icon on the computer notification area and select “Receive file” option.
• On the phone, locate the file you want to transfer, long press it and select the option to share.
• Choose Bluetooth from the sharing options and tap the paired PC to initiate the transfer.
• On the computer, you will get a notification. Accept the notification to receive the file on your computer.

Method 3: Use Phone Link App to Connect Android Device to Windows PC

Phone Link (earlier known as Your Phone) is a default app comes with your Windows PC to connect Android and iPhone devices. This helps to view messages, make calls and receive phone notifications from a Windows computer. This connection is ideal when you have no access to your phone as it enables you to view notifications and texts from your PC. You can follow the steps below to connect your Android device with Phone Link app.

Connect Phone Link in Windows with Link to Windows App in Phone

• Open Google Play Store on your phone and search ‘Link to Windows’.
• Select ‘Link to Windows’ app from Microsoft and tap the “Install” button.
• Launch the app and sign in with your Microsoft account and tap “Continue”.
• You will be prompted to allow several permissions. Follow the prompts, tapping “Allow” on every prompt.

Setting up Connection with Your Phone App

• On your computer, ‘Phone Link’ app is preinstalled in Windows 10/11 but in case it is missing, you can download and install the app from Microsoft Store.
• Type ‘Phone Link” in Windows Search box in your taskbar and open the app.

• Click ‘Android’ button and get the QR code for pairing your computer and phone.

• Scan the QR code with your Android phone and pair the devices using Bluetooth.
• When prompted provide permissions for accessing notifications, messages and calls.
• After that you can view your phone’s notifications in PC, view or send messages and make or receive calls from your PC.

Final Words

Most of us use both Android smartphone and Windows laptop/desktop. While the phone allows you to continue with your task on the go, you may need to transfer some files between devices to pick up things from where you left. You can use the first two methods to transfer files between your smartphone and Windows PC. Though Phone Link app helps to access notifications, messages and calls, you can also drag/drop files between devices on supported Android devices like Samsung, Microsoft Duo and HONOR.