Link to Windows icon
Microsoft Link to Windows: Cross-Platform Connectivity Review

by Microsoft Corporation

3.9
IOSProductivity
Microsoft's Link to Windows bridges iOS and Windows ecosystems, enabling phone calls, messaging, and file sharing from PC. Targets professionals seeking seamless device integration without switching physical devices constantly.

Detailed Review

Microsoft's Link to Windows represents a strategic move to bridge the gap between iOS devices and Windows PCs, addressing a longstanding compatibility challenge in mixed-ecosystem environments. The app enables Bluetooth-based connectivity between iPhones running iOS 16+ and Windows computers, creating a unified workflow experience that reduces device-switching interruptions. The core functionality centers around five key integration points: making and receiving phone calls directly from the PC, managing smartphone notifications through Windows, reading and replying to text messages via desktop interface, accessing phone contacts, and transferring files between devices. This feature set specifically targets productivity scenarios where users work primarily on Windows PCs but rely on iPhones for communication. The Bluetooth requirement ensures wireless operation but imposes proximity limitations compared to cloud-based alternatives. User experience demonstrates Microsoft's characteristic functional design language with a clean, utilitarian interface prioritizing quick access to connected phone features. Real-world usage patterns show most users employ the app for messaging and notification management during work hours, particularly valuable in office environments where phone usage may be restricted or disruptive. The setup process requires both mobile and desktop components, with initial pairing relying on Bluetooth discovery and authentication protocols. User feedback trends indicate strong satisfaction with core functionality, particularly among long-time Windows users seeking better iPhone integration. Reviewer D77radic (September 4, 2025) notes 'Texting and Calling from Windows on your iPhone works great,' while Rvtrance (September 4, 2025) observes 'this is way overdue, but it works well.' Multiple reviews from September 2025 consistently praise the seamless operation, though the sample shows limited critical perspectives. The application's primary strength lies in its official Microsoft backing and reliable core functionality, though limitations include Bluetooth dependency restricting range and the absence of deeper iOS integration available to Apple's ecosystem. Ideal for business users with Windows workstations and personal iPhones, the solution provides practical cross-platform functionality without requiring ecosystem commitment changes.

Key Features

  • Cross-platform calling enables making/receiving iPhone calls directly through Windows PC interface, eliminating device switching during work
  • Desktop messaging management allows reading and responding to iPhone texts via PC keyboard, improving typing efficiency and workflow continuity
  • Unified notification system displays iPhone alerts on Windows desktop, providing centralized oversight of mobile communications
  • Contact synchronization mirrors iPhone address book to Windows environment, enabling click-to-call from PC applications
  • Wireless file transfer facilitates quick sharing of documents and media between iOS and Windows systems via Bluetooth connection

Why Users Love It

Reliable core functionality
Reduces device switching

Perfect for: Windows professionals using iPhones seeking workflow integration

Screenshots

Link to Windows screenshot 1Link to Windows screenshot 2Link to Windows screenshot 3Link to Windows screenshot 4

Ranking History

Track Link to Windows's performance in Productivity over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#17

Best Rank

#12

All-time high

Average Rank

#16

30-day average

User Reviews

mimswrld
Sep 3, 2025

I love it so much, it notifies me anytime I get a notification Loving it I love it so much, it notifies me anytime I get a notification

Make Amerikkka Sane Again
Sep 4, 2025

This is awesome. I have been asking Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla to do something like this since the mid 2000's. Microsoft finally pulled it off. Notes: the call feature needs work, as it's not complete. Issues with VOIP (protocol assumption). It also will not synchronize message history although granted that is a tall order considering how Apple Corp. manages their sandbox (and rightfully so for security's sake). Overall not an absolutely perfect app, but it's still a good effort considering it's improvement on productivity. Finally This is awesome. I have been asking Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla to do something like this since the mid 2000's. Microsoft finally pulled it off.Notes: the call feature needs work, as it's not complete. Issues with VOIP (protocol assumption). It also will not synchronize message history although granted that is a tall order considering how Apple Corp. manages their sandbox (and rightfully so for security's sake).Overall not an absolutely perfect app, but it's still a good effort considering it's improvement on productivity.

Mrs. Deb ovalle
Sep 2, 2025

I like it i can take calls on my laptop and its nice Works pretty good I like it i can take calls on my laptop and its nice

Big Dawg_88
Sep 2, 2025

I like the phone link and it works good, but if you ask me it needs tweaking just a tiny bit. Like for instance my Facebook messenger doesn’t pop up to where you can reply to messsges like your text messages does, and it requires you to download the apps on the laptop which I don’t wanna do. Unless there is just something that I’m missing or an app you can download. iPhone/windows I like the phone link and it works good, but if you ask me it needs tweaking just a tiny bit. Like for instance my Facebook messenger doesn’t pop up to where you can reply to messsges like your text messages does, and it requires you to download the apps on the laptop which I don’t wanna do. Unless there is just something that I’m missing or an app you can download.

sjpdearias
Sep 2, 2025

I’m am very satisfied with the Phone Link App; it is very convenient way to receive and make phone calls and messages. Phone Link I’m am very satisfied with the Phone Link App; it is very convenient way to receive and make phone calls and messages.

App Details

Developer

Microsoft Corporation

Platform

ios

Rating

3.9

Last Updated

10/6/2025