How to Call and Text with Phone Link in Windows 11

Microsoft Phone Link in Windows 11 allows you to connect your Android or iOS smartphone to your PC to send SMS text messages and make voice calls directly from your desktop. By syncing your device over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can manage your mobile communications without having to pick up your phone while working on your computer.

Requirements Before You Begin

To use messaging and calling features, make sure you have: * A PC running Windows 11 with the Phone Link app installed. * An Android device (running Android 7.0 or later) with the Link to Windows app, or an iPhone (running iOS 14 or later). * Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network (for setup and messaging). * Bluetooth enabled and paired on both your PC and phone (required for voice calls).

How to Set Up Phone Link

1. Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Select your device type (Android or iPhone).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in with your Microsoft account and scan the QR code using your phone’s camera or the Link to Windows app.
4. Grant the requested permissions on your phone for contacts, phone calls, and SMS.

How to Send SMS Messages

Once paired, sending and managing text messages from your PC is straightforward:

1. In the Phone Link app, click the Messages tab on the top menu.
2. To start a new conversation, click the New message (pencil) icon.
3. Type the contact’s name or phone number in the To field.
4. Click the message box at the bottom, type your text, and press Enter or click the Send (paper airplane) icon.
5. To reply to an ongoing thread, select the conversation from the left pane, type your response, and send.

How to Make and Receive Voice Calls

Voice calling relies on a Bluetooth connection between your PC and mobile device.

Making a Call

1. In the Phone Link app, click the Calls tab.
2. Dial a number using the on-screen dial pad, or use the search bar to find a contact from your synced address book.
3. Click the green Call button to initiate the voice call.
4. Use your PC’s microphone and speakers (or connected headset) to speak and listen.

Receiving a Call

• When a call comes in, a banner notification will appear in the bottom-right corner of your Windows 11 screen.
• Click Accept to answer via your PC audio, or click Decline to dismiss the call.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Calls Not Connecting: Verify that Bluetooth is turned on for both your phone and PC, and confirm that the two devices are actively paired in your Windows Bluetooth settings.
• Missing Messages: Ensure battery optimization settings on your phone are not putting the Link to Windows app to sleep.
• Audio Issues: Check your Windows Sound Settings to confirm that the correct input (microphone) and output (speakers/headphones) are selected as default.