It’s easy enough to use a USB cable to connect your smartphone to your PC to browse files and folders. But what if you don’t have a cable or it stops working? Luckily, Windows 11 has a new way to connect to your Android device that lets you browse the latter’s file systems directly within File Explorer.

The feature is part of the Manage mobile devices settings on Windows 11 and uses the Link to Windows app to set up and function. Here's everything you need to know to wirelessly access your Android phone's storage within Windows 11's File Explorer.

Since it's a relatively new feature, it's currently only available to users enrolled in the Windows Insider channels. So make sure to read through the prerequisites below to learn everything you need to get started.

In the Manage Mobile Devices window, you'll also find options to use your Android device as a connected camera and receive instant notifications about new photos.