Windows 10 Insider build 16251 lets you link an Android phone to your PC

During the Microsoft Build conference, we learned that Microsoft was working on clever ways to link your phone with your Windows 10 PC. The latest Windows Insider build kicks off the first step with some cross-platform magic that lets you send a web page from your phone right to the big screen.

Android apps every Windows Mobile convert should install right away

Users on the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 16251 for PC now have a new setting called "Phone" where you can get everything started. Hit it (it's with the rest of the settings) to link your phone to your PC to get started. Right now, you can only set things up with an Android phone, but we imagine an iPhone version has to be coming at some point.

Once the two devices are linked, you can send a website to your computer through the browser's native share option. Open it and choose the "Continue on PC" option to get to step No. 2. Next, you need to sign into the same Microsoft account that you're using on your PC, because that's how all this cloud magic works — one account in both places can share almost anything you want it to share.

You'll have the choice to "Continue now" or "Continue later". Choosing "Continue Now" opens the web page on your PC immediately, letting you browse on the bigger and better screen of your computer. If you choose to "Continue later" you'll see an entry in your Windows Action Center so you can have a click whenever is best for you.

Microsoft is steadily leveraging the billions of Android devices out there, and this first step of their ambitious linking project is a good one.

Related: Using Android in the Microsoft ecosystem

Jerry Hildenbrand

I'm an RHCE and Electrical Engineer who loves gadgets of all kinds. You'll find my writings across Mobile Nations and you can hit me on Twitter if you want to say hey.