How do you get an app on your phone

Note: We’ve changed the name of the Your Phone app to Microsoft Phone Link. In addition, the Your Phone Companion app for Android is now called Link to Windows. For more information, see Introducing Microsoft Phone Link and Link to Windows.

With the Phone Link app, you can instantly access the Android apps installed on your mobile device right on your PC. Using a Wi-Fi connection, Apps allows you to browse, play, order, chat, and more — all while using your PC’s larger screen and keyboard.

You can add your Android apps as favorites on your PC, pin them to your Start menu and taskbar, and open them in separate windows to use side-by-side with apps on your PC. 

Learn more about how to use Apps  

What do I need to use Apps?

To use Apps, you will need: 

• A PC running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later. Learn how to check your PC's version of Windows

  • Your PC also needs to be using a graphics card (GPU) that supports DirectX11. Learn how to check your version of DirectX

• An Android device running Android 9.0 or greater, with Link to Windows (pre-installed). Learn more

• Your Android device and PC connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

• Apps works in the Phone Link appversion 1.20082.141.0 or later. Older versions of the Phone Link app will show the previous phone screen experience. 

• Recent Apps works in the Phone Link app version 1.21092.145.0 or later. Older versions of the Phone Link app will not show Recent Apps. 

What do I need to run multiple apps on my PC at a time?

• A PC running the Windows 10 May 2020 Update or later. For best performance, we recommend having at least 8GB of RAM.

• An Android device running Android 11.0.

• On your Android device, you need Link to Windows (pre-installed) version 2.1.05.6 or later, or Link to Windows (pre-installed) version 1.20104.15.0 or later.

• Multiple apps works in the Phone Link app version 1.20104.20.0 or later.

How do I set up Apps?

On your PC, open the Phone Link app and select Apps. Follow the setup instructions. If you encounter issues, here are some troubleshooting tips. 

What devices are supported?

Apps is available on select Samsung devices that have Link to Windows (pre-installed). A few recent devices are listed below.

Notes: 

• If your device is running Android 11 or higher, you may be eligible for the multiple apps experience. Compatible devices are marked below with an asterisk (*). 

• Android 11 availability depends on your mobile device, your mobile provider, and market availability.

  How do you install an app on your phone?

  Download apps to your Android device.

  Open Google Play. On your phone, use the Play Store app . ... .

  Find an app you want..

  To check that the app is reliable, find out what other people say about it. ... .

  When you pick an app, tap Install (for no-charge apps) or the app's price..

  How do I download apps?

  Get Android apps & digital content from the Google Play Store.

  On your device, open Google Play Store. or visit the Google Play store on a web browser..

  Search or browse for content..

  Select an item..

  Select Install or the item's price..

  Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction and get the content..

  How do I find an app on my phone?

  From anywhere.

  Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to the top. If you get All Apps , tap it..

  Tap the app that you want to open..

  How do I install an app on my home screen?

  Add to Home screens.

  From the bottom of your Home screen, swipe up. Learn how to open apps..

  Touch and drag the app. You'll find images of each Home screen..

  Slide the app to where you want it. Lift your finger..