Samsung DeX for Windows: Discontinuation and Alternatives Explained

In an era where the term "productivity on the go" has taken center stage, Samsung's DeX app has long been a unique bridge for mobile users to craft a makeshift desktop experience. Unfortunately, change is in the air, and it isn't good news for DeX's Windows PC users. Samsung has officially announced that the DeX app will no longer work with Windows PCs starting with its upcoming One UI 7 update set to launch in early 2025.
This marks the end of a seven-year run for DeX's functionality on Windows, leaving many wondering: Why has Samsung made this decision? And what does it mean for users seeking seamless integration between their mobile devices and a Windows workstation? Let’s dig deeper to explore the significance of this decision, alternative options, and how this pivot fits into the broader tech ecosystem.

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What is Samsung DeX for Windows?​

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to appreciate what DeX is and why it has held unique appeal since its debut in 2017 alongside the Galaxy S8 series.
DeX (which stands for Desktop Experience) enabled Samsung device users—think smartphones or tablets—to plug into a supported PC, Mac, or even larger screens like monitors and TVs. Once connected, it transformed the tablet or smartphone's interface into a desktop-like environment. It was akin to having a portable workstation without needing an actual laptop. At its peak, DeX offered the following capabilities:

• Multitasking in Windows-Like UI: Run multiple apps as independent windows, making multitasking a breeze.
• Drag-and-Drop File Transfers: Users could easily share files between their phones and connected PCs by dragging and dropping files—a godsend during tight project deadlines.
• App Continuity: The ability to access mobile apps and notifications directly on a workstation ensured there was no need to bounce between multiple devices.

While its flexibility made it appealing to professionals and tech nerds, Samsung faced fundamental hurdles in convincing average users to adopt DeX. This brings us to the present.

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Why Samsung is Pulling Support for DeX on Windows PCs​

Samsung's decision to shutter DeX’s compatibility with Windows PCs is linked to its upcoming One UI 7 update, which will push fresh design changes, AI-driven features, and revamped quick settings. The inability to maintain DeX support is a sign that Samsung may be recommitting DeX to focus specifically on TV and monitor extensions rather than being an all-encompassing platform across PCs.
But what led to this shift? Here are the likely drivers behind Samsung's decision:

1. Low User Adoption: Despite its forward-thinking premise, DeX never gained mass traction. The average smartphone user might not need or understand the benefits of transforming their phone into a portable desktop PC, particularly when affordable laptops and tablets often offer a more straightforward experience.
2. Redundancy with Microsoft Phone Link: Microsoft’s Phone Link app (formerly "Your Phone") provides many of the features that DeX users seek—such as accessing messages, notifications, and even running Android apps on Windows PCs. As Samsung deepens its partnership with Microsoft, it makes sense to align resources rather than compete in overlapping spaces.
3. Resource Optimization: Maintaining a cross-platform ecosystem like DeX is resource-heavy, requiring frequent updates and bug fixes to stay compatible with other operating systems (like macOS and Windows). As device ecosystems grow more specialized—such as Samsung's focus on its monitors, where DeX may still thrive—streamlining offerings might be part of its broader strategy.

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What is Microsoft's Phone Link and Is It a Viable Alternative?​

For those mourning DeX's departure from Windows PCs, Samsung has suggested switching to the Phone Link app (known on Samsung devices as "Link to Windows"). The app is baked into Windows 11 and recent versions of Samsung smartphones.

What Can Phone Link Do?​

• Call Management: Users can make and receive phone calls directly from their Windows PC.
• Text Messaging: Send and receive SMS and MMS texts without picking up your phone.
• Notifications at Your Fingertips: Alerts from your mobile apps appear neatly within the Phone Link interface on your PC.
• Run Android Apps on Windows: You can view and even use individual apps directly on Windows from a Samsung phone, removing the need to keep switching between devices.

While Phone Link lacks the fullness of a desktop experience that DeX offers, it provides robust integrations for most use cases. If you're someone who primarily used DeX for productivity rather than aesthetic alignment, Phone Link is likely to check most of your boxes.

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What Happens to DeX?​

Here’s where things get a little less grim. While DeX will be discontinued for Windows PCs, Samsung will concentrate on improving DeX’s functionality with monitors, TVs, and other large-screen devices. This makes sense, as the shift makes DeX an appealing alternative for users who want to ditch bulky desktop setups in favor of maximizing their Galaxy smartphone as both a mobile and desktop hybrid.
For example:

• Samsung Galaxy devices paired with HDMI-ready monitors can create a wireless or USB-C-enabled workstation replacement.
• Mouse and keyboard support transforms your phone into a full-fledged computer for the essentials—think presentations, basic graphic editing, and even coding.

Samsung’s commitment to DeX lives on, just not on the Windows workstation that many hoped would remain in the mix.

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Broader Implications: Are We Heading Towards App Integration over Systems?​

The sunset of DeX on Windows is also emblematic of a larger industry trend: app integration is increasingly sidestepping native desktop applications. Whether it's services like Google Drive, iCloud, or Phone Link, the goal seems to be connectivity without traditional software dependency. Rather than creating full ecosystems that duplicate desk-side utility (like DeX tried to do), companies seem to be favoring tighter partnerships and interoperability.

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How to Transition from DeX to Phone Link​

If you’ve solely relied on DeX, the transition might seem like losing ground, but it’s relatively straightforward. Here’s how you can move to Phone Link:

1. Install Phone Link from the Microsoft Store (most Windows 11 devices already have it pre-installed).
2. Ensure your Samsung Galaxy phone has the latest version of Link to Windows available via the Settings > Advanced Features menu.
3. Connect your Windows computer to your Samsung Galaxy phone through the Phone Link app. You’ll need to scan a QR code or enable pairing via Bluetooth.

That’s it—you’re essentially set up to manage text messages, calls, notifications, and mobile apps directly from your PC.

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Wrapping It Up: RIP DeX for Windows, But It's Not All Bad News​

The discontinuation of DeX for Windows marks the end of an era for those who dreamed of a phone-PC hybrid universe. Samsung's move, rooted in a reassessment of priorities rather than failure, ensures the platform will live on in its most viable form—serving larger screens like TVs and monitors.
For multitaskers and productivity enthusiasts, the Phone Link app will fill many of the gaps left by DeX's departure. And for those who won’t trade in their DeX loyalty so easily, the shift to TV and monitor support ensures the tech still has a place for niche users—but maybe not in the expansive realm it once hoped to command.
Change often feels like loss, but in the tech world, it’s often the precursor to something better—so keep your eyes peeled for what’s next. Is it time for a true Samsung Windows desktop fork? Only time will tell. For now, let’s bid adieu to DeX as we knew it.

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Source: Petri IT Knowledgebase Samsung to Discontinue DeX App for Windows PCs