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Microsoft's Your Phone can now show recent apps through the Windows taskbar

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Your recent apps are just a click away, thanks to the latest feature for Microsoft's Your Phone.

Your Phone Companion Android
Your Phone Companion Android (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Windows Insiders can now view their recently used apps from Microsoft's Your Phone.
  • The functionality requires a supported Samsung Galaxy Phone, such as the Z Fold, Z Flip, Note, or S series device.
  • The feature shows the three most recent apps used by Your Phone in the Windows taskbar.

Microsoft's Your Phone app has a new feature for Windows Insiders to try out. Following an update, Your Phone can show the three most recent apps that have been used through the Windows taskbar. The recent apps section of Your Phone will also show which applications have been used recently. To test out the feature, Insiders need to have the latest version of Your Phone and a supported Samsung device.

The new Your Phone feature was announced alongside Windows 11 preview build 22557. Microsoft outlines the requirements to use the recent apps feature:

  • Your Phone app version 1.21092.145.0 or higher. Older versions will not show recent apps even if you have a supported device.
  • A supported Android device. Recent Apps requires a deeper level of integration with the Android device and the team worked directly with Samsung to light this up. It is available on select Samsung devices that have Link to Windows, with OneUI 3.1.1 or higher and Link to Windows Service 2.3 or higher, such as:
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
  • Samsung Galaxy S series
  • Samsung Galaxy Note series
  • Your Android device and PC need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for apps to launch on your PC.

The new feature is available for all Windows Insiders with supported Samsung devices, regardless of which Insider ring they're enrolled in.

Your Phone

Your Phone

Your Phone syncs your photos, text messages, and notifications between your phone and your PC. Now, Insiders can view their recently used apps through the Windows taskbar.

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Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 930, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.