Windows Insider Program members on the Dev Channel are getting a new Windows 11 Preview to end the working week. Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25231. While this is a fix-heavy update, it also adds a new feature for the Phone Link app.
Specifically, the Phone Link app will now be able to connect to the wi-fi hotspot on a phone instantly. Microsoft points out the feature is currently exclusive to Windows Insiders with Samsung smartphones running the South Korean company’s One UI 4.1.1 or higher.
At its core, the feature allows a Windows 11 PC to access the hotspot of a mobile phone through Phone Link. This means connecting to the Wi-Fi/4G/5G of a phone will be more seamless. For example, users will be able to avoid using a password when a phone is paired with Phone Link.
“The instant hotspot feature lets you securely start and connect to your phone’s Wi-Fi network without touching your phone,” Microsoft explains. “When your phone is within range it will appear in the Wi-Fi network list on your PC where a single click turns on the phone’s hotspot and connects to it. No more remembering and typing passwords or searching for hotspot settings on the phone. This provides an easier and faster way to repeatedly connect to your hotspot when you are on the go.”
Details
Phone Link provides several ways for users to access the feature:
- Through the settings page (Settings > Features > Instant Hotspot)
- Via a button on the top right of the overflow menu
- By using the “Get Started” option from the Phone Link “What’s New” feature
If you’re unfamiliar with Phone Link, you may know it better as Your Phone. That was the name prior to the launch of Windows 11 when Microsoft rebranded the app. Your Phone arrived three years ago as a bridging application that lets users view and use their smartphone on their Windows desktop.
Elsewhere in Windows 11 Preview Build 25231, Microsoft is rolling out a bunch of fixes. It is worth checking out the full changelog at the source to see all of those fixes, as well as known issues.
Tip of the day: Windows now has a package manager similar to Linux called “Winget”. In our tutorial, we show you how to install and use this new tool that allows the quick installation of apps via PowerShell or a GUI.
