Windows Insider users can access files on their Android phones directly in File Explorer with the beta Link to Windows app.

ES File Explorer helps you manage the files on your local Android device. Starting with version 3, however, LAN support was added to make it possible to share files with a Windows PC over Wi-Fi.

Any folder that Android tries to hide on your device is still hidden in File Explorer. This means that some more advanced file management still has to be undertaken over USB-C, but admittedly this ...

Windows looks set to allow you to explore your Android phone from your PC via Phone Link as easily as if it were an external drive.

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The update is just for Android devices and take advantage of the new functionality users must be running Android 11 or higher, along with Phone Link beta version 1.24071 or higher.

Recent Windows 11 insider preview builds have introduced Android file sharing and a new look for File Explorer. Microsoft and leaks have teased both updates for months.

Android phone files are now visible in Windows 10 and 11 without a physical USB connection.

File compression isn't just for desktops and laptops. Android devices can benefit from ZIP files too.