Open Android phone files in Windows File Explorer

Windows 11 can show a paired Android phone in File Explorer. From there, you can browse the phone’s files and copy one into a PC folder.

Check the requirements and connect

For File Explorer access, Microsoft requires Android 11 or later and Link to Windows version 1.24072.258.0 or later. Its general device-linking guide lists lower minimums, but those do not establish eligibility for File Explorer access. Keep the phone and PC nearby, turned on, and connected to Wi-Fi while linking them.

1. On the PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
2. Turn on “Allow this PC to access content and capabilities from your mobile devices” if it is off, then select Add device.
3. Scan the QR code displayed on the PC with your phone. Grant the requested permissions and finish the prompts.
4. Select Manage devices and turn on “Show mobile device in File Explorer.”

Open the phone in File Explorer, choose a file, then copy and paste it into the PC folder you want. If you have several paired phones, the File Explorer guide says only one can appear there at a time. Use the same switch in Manage devices to choose which phone appears.

Copy, move, and delete

Copying a file to the PC leaves the original on the phone. Moving it to the PC removes it from its former phone location.

If you delete a phone file through File Explorer, Microsoft says you can find it in the “Recycle bin – Connected device” folder on the Android phone. Files remain there for 30 days and can be restored or moved.