Microsoft’s latest Insider build pushes Phone Link deeper into Windows 11’s Start menu and — for the first time in a widely reported rollout — brings a fuller, more visible iPhone experience to the desktop, while also layering cross-device conveniences and a handful of stability and Copilot-era polish into the Beta channel release identified by community reporting as KB5064093 (build 26120.5761). (neowin.net)
Since its rebirth as Phone Link (formerly “Your Phone”), Microsoft has steadily increased the app’s role as Windows’ bridge to mobile devices. Initially an Android-first toolkit for messages, calls, and screen mirroring, Phone Link has over recent updates been extended into the Start menu as a companion pane that surfaces device status, notifications, quick messaging and one‑tap file sending. Microsoft began previewing Start‑menu access to phone features in its Insider channels in mid‑2024 and has been rolling the experience out gradually since then. (blogs.windows.com)
What changed with the update widely discussed in the press and among Insiders is twofold: the Start menu companion is being enabled more broadly (and for more device types), and Phone Link’s iPhone support — earlier introduced in smaller previews — is becoming visible inside the Start menu experience alongside Android. That parity is significant because Apple’s platform restrictions have historically limited how much Windows could do with iPhones. (neowin.net, thurrott.com)
Two ecosystem implications are noteworthy:
For users and IT decision‑makers, the best play is a measured one: Insiders and power users should experiment and file feedback; organizations should monitor official Microsoft KB and release notes before broadly enabling the functionality in production environments. As Microsoft continues to stitch phones into the Windows 11 experience, the PC is steadily becoming a more capable center for mobile‑to‑desktop continuity — and that competition with Apple for cross‑device convenience is just getting more interesting. (neowin.net, blogs.windows.com, techspot.com)
Source: Neowin KB5064093: Microsoft brings big update to how Windows 11 connects to your phone on new build
Background
Since its rebirth as Phone Link (formerly “Your Phone”), Microsoft has steadily increased the app’s role as Windows’ bridge to mobile devices. Initially an Android-first toolkit for messages, calls, and screen mirroring, Phone Link has over recent updates been extended into the Start menu as a companion pane that surfaces device status, notifications, quick messaging and one‑tap file sending. Microsoft began previewing Start‑menu access to phone features in its Insider channels in mid‑2024 and has been rolling the experience out gradually since then. (blogs.windows.com)What changed with the update widely discussed in the press and among Insiders is twofold: the Start menu companion is being enabled more broadly (and for more device types), and Phone Link’s iPhone support — earlier introduced in smaller previews — is becoming visible inside the Start menu experience alongside Android. That parity is significant because Apple’s platform restrictions have historically limited how much Windows could do with iPhones. (neowin.net, thurrott.com)
What this KB/build actually delivers
Core user-facing changes
- Start menu Phone Link pane: The Start menu now surfaces an attached phone pane by default on eligible devices, showing battery level, connectivity, recent contacts, notifications, quick actions for calls/messages, and a “Send files” shortcut for transferring media and documents. This pane is available for both Android and iPhone devices in the Insider preview rollout. (neowin.net, blogs.windows.com)
- iPhone in Phone Link: iPhone users who qualify for the preview can now pair their device and access the same Start‑menu phone companion previously limited to Android, including basic calls, SMS/messages, notifications, and file transfer. The experience is not feature‑complete compared with Android (see Limitations), but it is a material step toward parity. (blogs.windows.com, thurrott.com)
- Cross‑device continuity beginnings: The build also contains other cross‑device continuity experiments (for example, resume playback scenarios for Android apps such as Spotify), indicating Microsoft is investing broadly in “handoff” style interactions beyond simple notifications and file sending. These features are rolling out incrementally.
Build / KB identification and rollout
Community reporting and forum archives identify the Beta Channel release as being distributed under the update label KB5064093 and mapping to Insider build 26120.5761. Microsoft’s staged rollout model means device‑level flags control whether any given machine sees the new experiences; two identical PCs on the same build might behave differently depending on Microsoft’s controlled sampling. Where Microsoft publishes official KB articles or change‑logs, those will remain the authoritative reference; community and press reports fill the gap during staged rollouts.Technical prerequisites and how it works
System and app requirements
- Windows Insider enrollment (Dev or Beta channels may be required for early access). (blogs.windows.com)
- A modern Windows 11 preview build that includes the Start‑menu Phone Link integration (Insiders reporting the experience reference builds in the 26120.xxxx series).
- Phone Link app updated to the required minimum (reporting indicates Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or greater for this Start‑menu integration). (neowin.net, blogs.windows.com)
- A PC with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capability — BLE is used for pairing, presence, and lightweight file transfer during many of these operations. A Microsoft Account is typically required for pairing and syncing. (blogs.windows.com, techspot.com)
Pairing and data flow (high level)
- Pairing is typically initiated by selecting “iPhone” or “Android” in Phone Link on the PC and scanning a QR code with the phone camera; a Bluetooth handshake and permissions grant on the phone complete the setup. After pairing, authorized metadata (notifications, contacts, recent activity) and file transfer channels become available to the PC. The system uses lightweight BLE sessions for presence and transfers and invokes platform APIs on iOS/Android for permitted content. (blogs.windows.com, thurrott.com)
Strengths and immediate benefits
- Lower friction, better discovery: Putting phone controls and status directly in the Start menu reduces friction. For users who check emails, messages, and notifications while working, having that condensed hub is a clear productivity win. It also helps discovery — new and casual users will see the prompt and be guided through pairing. (blogs.windows.com)
- Cross‑platform parity push: Expanding Phone Link to iPhone users narrows the convenience gap between Windows and macOS, making Windows a more convincing choice for people who keep an iPhone but prefer a Windows workstation. This is a strategic play that makes cooperating across ecosystems less painful. (neowin.net, techspot.com)
- AirDrop‑style convenience without clouds: The “Send files” shortcut offers a fast local transfer path that reduces reliance on email, cloud uploads, or cables for quick exchanges — useful for photos, screenshots, or documents when time is tight. Using BLE keeps transfers battery‑friendly. (neowin.net, blogs.windows.com)
- Developer hooks for continuity experiences: Microsoft is exposing APIs for cross‑device continuity (Spotify resume is an early example). If third‑party developers adopt these hooks, the PC can become the natural continuation point for mobile workflows that start on the phone.
Limitations, known issues, and caveats
- Not full iOS parity: iPhone support in Phone Link is limited compared to Android. Group message replies, sending images or media in messages, and full screen mirroring on iOS remain restricted because of platform constraints. Phone Link’s iOS support focuses on calls, basic messages, notifications, contacts, and file send/receive — useful, but not identical to macOS‑level integration. (blogs.windows.com, thurrott.com)
- Staged rollout and gating: Expect a slow, device‑flagged rollout. Even Insiders on the same build will often see different feature sets because Microsoft toggles features per device as part of its controlled feature‑flag approach. Patience is required. (blogs.windows.com)
- Bluetooth and pairing fragility: The experience depends on stable BLE pairing. Known issues include notification gaps if the Bluetooth session drops, and Phone Link may fail to retrieve message history if sessions disconnect mid‑use. Microsoft’s community known‑issues list documents several such scenarios. (answers.microsoft.com)
- OS SKU exclusions and enterprise considerations: Some education and restricted SKUs (for example, certain Pro Education builds) may not receive the feature. Enterprises with strict device policies should test before broadly enabling Phone Link. (blogs.windows.com)
- Spotty behavior reported post‑update: As with many cumulative/preview updates, user reports show intermittent regressions in unrelated areas — explorer freezes, device driver oddities and performance quirks — that sometimes coincide with feature builds. Insiders should expect a degree of polish‑work and to file feedback when appropriate. This is typical of staged Insider rollouts and not unique to Phone Link. (windowsforum.com)
Security and privacy analysis
Surface‑level conveniences introduce deeper attack surfaces; the following are important considerations:- Bluetooth exposure: BLE pairing inherently creates a local radio link. While BLE sessions are typically authenticated and encrypted, any wireless pairing increases the risk of local‑proximity attacks and accidental pairings. Users should ensure pairing occurs in a private environment and review paired devices periodically. Official Microsoft documentation does not publish an exhaustive public white paper on Phone Link’s encryption model; therefore users should assume standard BLE protections apply until Microsoft provides deeper technical guarantees. This specific cryptographic/telemetry claim is flagged as not fully verifiable from public Microsoft documentation at the time of reporting. (blogs.windows.com, answers.microsoft.com)
- Data permissions on iOS: To receive notifications and message metadata, Phone Link requires permission on the iPhone’s side. That permission surface should be audited during setup: granting only necessary permissions minimizes exposure if a pairing is compromised. iOS permission prompts are user‑visible; users should review what they consent to during the guided pairing flow. (blogs.windows.com)
- Local vs cloud sync: The feature emphasizes local connectivity (BLE) rather than routing messages through Microsoft cloud services, but some flows (app resume/install from the Microsoft Store, or continuity APIs) may involve cloud interactions for account verification or app availability checks. Users with strict data residency concerns should test and monitor which data leaves the device. (blogs.windows.com, thurrott.com)
- Pair only trusted phones and remove obsolete pairings from Settings.
- Enable the Start pane’s “Hide this pane” or disable Phone Link if you do not want the feature visible. (neowin.net)
- Use device‑level security: strong passcodes, Find My/iCloud protections on iPhone, and Windows sign‑in protections (PIN, Windows Hello) on the PC.
- Monitor permissions on the iPhone (Bluetooth & notifications) and revoke anything unnecessary.
How to get it today (Insider checklist and step pointers)
- Enroll the PC in the Windows Insider Program (Beta or Dev channel as required by the preview notes). (blogs.windows.com)
- Update Windows to the Insider build that includes the Phone Link Start menu pane (users reporting the experience cite the 26120.xxxx servicing stream).
- Update the Phone Link app from the Microsoft Store; ensure it’s at or above version 1.24121.30.0. (neowin.net)
- Enable Bluetooth Low Energy on the PC and turn on Bluetooth on the phone.
- Open Phone Link on the PC, select Android or iPhone, scan the QR code with the phone, follow on‑screen pairing steps, and grant requested permissions in iOS or Android Bluetooth settings. (blogs.windows.com, thurrott.com)
- If the Phone Link pane does not appear in Start, toggle visibility via Settings > Personalization > Start and check Phone Link app settings. (neowin.net)
Troubleshooting quick hits
- If notifications or message history aren’t syncing, unpair and re‑pair the phone, and ensure Phone Link has been granted notification permissions in the phone’s Bluetooth settings. Known issues include the first message from a new sender failing to arrive in Phone Link until a subsequent message is received. (answers.microsoft.com)
- If file transfer fails, verify both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi network (some transfers use local Wi‑Fi as a fallback), and check for any OEM Bluetooth driver updates on the PC. (blogs.windows.com, techspot.com)
- For call audio routing problems (for example, Bluetooth headset audio not routing correctly while Phone Link is handling a call), disconnect the headset or adjust audio devices in Sound settings; some headset/VoIP interactions remain imperfect. (answers.microsoft.com)
Strategic analysis: why this matters for Microsoft and Windows users
This update is a tactical and strategic move. Tactically, it improves day‑to‑day productivity by collapsing the “reach for the phone” friction point. Strategically, it is part of a broader Microsoft push to make Windows the hub for cross‑device workflows: Copilot integration, Click to Do, recall and resume actions, and Phone Link all signal an OS‑level emphasis on continuity and AI‑assisted workflows across devices.Two ecosystem implications are noteworthy:
- For consumers, better iPhone support reduces the macOS premium for cross‑device convenience and makes Windows a more compelling choice for mixed-device households. (techspot.com)
- For Apple, Microsoft’s advances may pressure Cupertino to broaden interoperability or to further lock in macOS features; either outcome intensifies cross‑platform competition on user convenience.
What to watch next and outstanding verification points
- Official KB documentation: Microsoft’s own KB and Windows Insider Blog posts are the final authority for specifics around KB numbers, exact file/assembly changes, and security notes. Community reporting and press coverage align on the feature set, but any enterprise adoption should wait for Microsoft’s formal KB article and servicing details. The KB label KB5064093 and its mapping to build 26120.5761 appears in community archives and press roundups, but when exact KB/OS build numbers are important for a managed environment, verify against Microsoft’s update catalog or official release notes. Flag: the KB→build mapping is reported by community channels and press; confirmation on Microsoft’s official support site may be required for enterprise change control.
- Security whitepapers: Microsoft has not published exhaustive, public cryptographic detail for Phone Link’s BLE sessions in the same way major networking stacks are documented. Expect Microsoft to provide deeper technical detail over time or as features graduate from Insider to general availability. Flag: cryptographic and telemetry details for Phone Link are not fully described in the public preview documentation and should be assumed subject to later clarification. (blogs.windows.com, answers.microsoft.com)
- Broader feature parity: Which iOS features will be bridged next (clipboard sync, richer message/media handling, photos streaming) depends on Apple’s platform APIs and Microsoft’s negotiation or engineering workarounds. Expect incremental additions, but not a full macOS‑equivalent overnight. (thurrott.com, techspot.com)
Conclusion
This build — the one being discussed under the label KB5064093 in community reporting — is an incremental but meaningful step: Phone Link is moving out of an app and into the Start menu, and iPhone users are finally getting a visible slice of functionality that Android users have enjoyed for years. The practical gains are immediate: fewer interruptions, faster file transfers, and clearer device oversight from the desktop. The limits are equally real: iOS restrictions, staged rollout flags, and the usual caveats of preview‑channel stability mean this is a feature to test now if you’re an Insider and to expect more broadly as Microsoft completes its rollout and hardens the experience.For users and IT decision‑makers, the best play is a measured one: Insiders and power users should experiment and file feedback; organizations should monitor official Microsoft KB and release notes before broadly enabling the functionality in production environments. As Microsoft continues to stitch phones into the Windows 11 experience, the PC is steadily becoming a more capable center for mobile‑to‑desktop continuity — and that competition with Apple for cross‑device convenience is just getting more interesting. (neowin.net, blogs.windows.com, techspot.com)
Source: Neowin KB5064093: Microsoft brings big update to how Windows 11 connects to your phone on new build
