Windows 11 Android Apps: Microsoft Adds Phone Link Search

Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 Search feature that allows users to find Android applications installed on their smartphones and open them directly from the PC taskbar. The functionality uses Phone Link to launch the mobile application on the connected smartphone and mirror its screen on the Windows desktop.

The feature was identified by Windows Latest during testing of Windows 11’s Experimental channel. In its demonstration, searching for Bluesky on a Surface Laptop displayed the Android application as a ‘Mobile App’ result. Selecting Open launched the application on a connected Samsung Galaxy smartphone and displayed it through a Phone Link window on the computer.

The development adds another entry point to Microsoft’s existing phone-to-PC integration. Rather than opening Phone Link first and navigating to its Apps section, users can search for an application directly from Windows and initiate the connection through the taskbar.

However, the feature does not install Android applications on Windows. The applications continue running on the smartphone, while the PC provides a mirrored interface for interaction.

Windows 11 Search introduces Android application discovery

The new functionality was tested on a Surface Laptop 7th Edition running Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26340.9767, in Microsoft’s Experimental channel.

The test device was connected to a Samsung Galaxy A26 running Android 16. When the user searched for Bluesky through the Windows taskbar, Search displayed the application with a ‘Mobile App’ label.

Selecting the result opened the application on the smartphone and brought up a separate Phone Link window on the PC. The mirrored display included the smartphone’s status bar and allowed the application to be accessed through the computer.

This integration provides an additional way to launch supported mobile applications without first navigating through the Phone Link interface.

The feature was identified through hands-on testing rather than a specific Microsoft announcement. The company has not yet confirmed a general availability date for Android application discovery through Windows Search.

Phone Link streams Android applications rather than installing them on Windows

The distinction between application streaming and native installation is important.

Microsoft discontinued Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), the technology that previously enabled Android applications to run on Windows 11, with support ending in March 2025.

The Phone Link approach works differently. Applications remain installed and execute on the connected smartphone, while the computer displays and controls their interface.

Microsoft’s existing Phone Link Apps functionality already supports opening compatible Android applications in separate desktop windows. Users can interact with these applications using a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, pen or touchscreen.

The company also allows users to add supported mobile applications to their Windows Start menu and taskbar, making frequently used applications easier to access.

The new Search integration extends this existing functionality by providing another way to discover and launch applications, without requiring users to create shortcuts beforehand.

Microsoft expands Windows Search with connected-phone actions

The Android application discovery feature forms part of a wider update to Windows Search.

On 30 October 2026, Microsoft announced additional Search capabilities for Windows Insiders, including phone-related actions through connected devices.

With a supported smartphone connected through Phone Link, users can initiate calls, send text messages and access phone functions such as Do Not Disturb directly from Search results.

Microsoft demonstrated actions including searching for a contact to send a message, initiating a call and changing the phone’s notification status.

The company said Android support was available in the preview, with iPhone support planned for early 2027.

These developments build on Microsoft’s redesigned Windows Search experience, which began rolling out to Insiders in October. The updated interface introduces inline controls, improved result filtering, file previews and direct access to certain Windows settings.

Microsoft is positioning Search as a way to complete everyday tasks rather than simply locate applications, documents and information.

Which Android smartphones support Windows 11 app streaming?

Android application streaming through Phone Link is not available on every smartphone.

Microsoft’s compatibility requirements distinguish between basic phone connectivity and access to the Apps feature. A smartphone that supports calls, messages and notifications through Phone Link does not necessarily support application streaming.

Microsoft’s support documentation identifies supported devices from manufacturers including Samsung and HONOR, with additional compatible models and manufacturers covered by its device requirements.

Generally, the experience requires:

A compatible Android smartphone.
Android 10 or later, subject to the specific feature’s requirements.
Link to Windows support on the smartphone.
Phone Link installed and configured on the Windows PC.
Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Microsoft also notes that application availability and functionality can vary by smartphone model and configuration.

The Windows Latest demonstration used a Samsung Galaxy A26 running Android 16, but this single-device test does not establish compatibility across all Samsung or Android smartphones.

Windows 11 Search feature remains in testing

The Android app discovery capability was demonstrated on Windows 11 build 26340.9767, which Microsoft released to Experimental channel participants on 23 October 2026.

Microsoft’s subsequent 30 October update, build 26340.9843, expanded Windows Search with phone actions and additional functionality.

However, the official release notes do not specifically document the Android app discovery behaviour demonstrated by Windows Latest. The distinction means the feature should be treated as an observed experimental capability rather than a confirmed general Windows 11 release.

Microsoft uses Controlled Feature Rollout to introduce certain preview capabilities gradually, meaning availability can differ even among users running the same Windows Insider build.

The company has not announced when Android application discovery through Search will become available to all Windows 11 users.

What Microsoft’s Windows and Android integration means for business users

The development reflects Microsoft’s broader effort to connect desktop computing with mobile-device workflows.

For businesses, the ability to access smartphone applications from a Windows computer could simplify workflows where employees rely on mobile-first communication, social media, customer engagement and productivity applications.

It could also reduce the need to switch repeatedly between a smartphone and desktop computer. Employees may be able to access supported mobile applications using a larger display and familiar desktop input devices.

However, the practical value will depend on smartphone compatibility, network reliability, application behaviour and organisational security requirements.

For software developers, deeper integration between Windows Search and mobile applications also highlights the importance of designing experiences that work across different devices.

The feature does not represent a return to native Android application support on Windows 11. Instead, it extends Microsoft’s existing Phone Link infrastructure with a more direct application discovery and launch mechanism.

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