Microsoft Phone Link now supports Apple Messages on Windows, which means iPhone users can send and receive iMessages and SMS texts from their PC without having to switch to their phone.
The feature uses Bluetooth and does not break Apple Messages’ end-to-end encryption. However, there are some limitations, such as the inability to send or receive group messages, attachments, photos, or GIFs.
Phone Link comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. The iPhone must be running iOS 16 or higher.
How to Set Up Your iPhone With Microsoft Phone Link on Windows
Setting up the connection requires a Microsoft account, the Phone Link app on the PC, and the Link to Windows app on the iPhone:
- Open Phone Link on the PC by typing it into the taskbar search
- Select iPhone as the device type. Then, scan the QR code displayed on the screen with your iPhone camera.
- Tap “Pair your devices” on the iPhone. When a pop-up appears, tap “Open,” “Continue,” “Allow,” and then “Pair” to grant Bluetooth pairing permissions.
- Follow the remaining prompts to link the iPhone to your Microsoft account.
After pairing, go to Settings on your iPhone, select Bluetooth, and choose the PC’s name from the list of connected devices.
You can enable Show Message Notifications to receive alerts on the PC, and you also have the option to activate Sync Contacts and Share System Notifications from the same screen.
What Works With Apple Messages, and What Doesn’t
The Messages section in Phone Link displays a limited set of recent conversations and suggested contacts. Users can reply to individual messages and start new ones by entering a contact name or phone number.
However, some features are not supported:
- Group chats cannot be started or replied to, and attachments, photos, or GIFs are not available; only emojis can be sent.
- Full inbox access is also not provided, with only a small selection of recent conversations visible.
Messages sent or received through Phone Link will also appear on the iPhone, allowing users to switch between devices during a conversation.
Since the feature uses Bluetooth rather than server routing, it does not impact the end-to-end encryption of Apple Messages.
What This Integration Means for Windows Users
For iPhone users who mostly work on a Windows PC, Phone Link offers a way to monitor and reply to individual text messages without switching devices.
Its limitations mean it’s most useful for keeping up with one-on-one conversations during work hours, rather than replacing the iPhone as the main messaging platform for group chats or media sharing.
