Make Your Desk the Hub: Connect iPhone to Windows with aka.ms/startLinking

If you keep picking up your iPhone while working, Phone Link stops that by sending texts, calls, and notifications straight to Windows 10 or 11. On your iPhone, open Safari and go to https://aka.ms/startLinking — the official page checks your setup, downloads the companion app if needed, and guides you through each step so you don't have to hunt through settings or rely on third-party apps.

Why use the official link
Microsoft built https://aka.ms/startLinking as the single, secure entry point for Phone Link. The page detects what your phone needs, pushes required updates or installs, and begins a secure pairing process—no guesswork and no risky QR generators.

What you get
Your Windows PC becomes a practical extension of your iPhone. Messages show up on your desktop immediately, notifications appear without touching the phone, and you can reply using a full keyboard. Android adds some extra photo and app features, but for everyday messaging and calls, iPhone covers the essentials. It's particularly handy for answering WhatsApp clients during calls or muting non-urgent alerts while staying reachable.

Quick 5-step setup (about 5–7 minutes)

  1. Launch Phone Link on PC (30 seconds): Press the Windows key, search “Phone Link,” and open the app.
  2. Select iPhone (30 seconds): Click “Link an iPhone” to display a QR code.
  3. Scan QR with iPhone (45 seconds): Use the Camera app; a notification should appear.
  4. Open the link (1–2 minutes): Tap the notification or visit https://aka.ms/startLinking in Safari, follow prompts to install Link to Windows (≈80 MB first time), and grant Bluetooth and notification permissions.
  5. Test connection (2 minutes): Approve prompts on both devices, send a test text, and place a quick call to confirm audio. Keep devices within about 30 feet while pairing.
Quick fixes

  • Keep both devices unlocked during setup.
  • If Bluetooth misbehaves, toggle airplane mode briefly on both devices and retry.
  • Windows 11 includes Phone Link by default; Windows 10 users can download it from the Microsoft Store.
Daily Perks

 
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