Samsung has confirmed that its DeX application for Windows PCs will no longer receive support with the release of One UI 7, its upcoming software update based on Android 15.
The decision shifts Samsung’s focus to “Link to Windows,” a collaboration with Microsoft that facilitates phone-PC integration that now also offers the desktop-like multitasking environment that DeX provided. The classic DeX features to use a mobile device like a PC will continue, however.
“Link to Windows”: The Future of Samsung’s Cross-Device Connectivity
The native Windows integration enables Galaxy devices to synchronize with Windows PCs, offering seamless access to notifications, messages, photos, and calls.
“Link to Windows“, previously branded as “Phone Link“ has evolved over the years and now also offers advanced multitasking features that defined DeX, supporting multiple resizable windows for android apps for desktop access.
Introduced in 2017, Samsung DeX reimagined what smartphones could achieve by enabling them to function as desktop-like systems. By connecting a Galaxy device to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, users can transform their phone into a workstation capable of running multiple apps, managing files, and performing productivity tasks in a resizable windowed environment.
Initially requiring hardware like the DeX Station docking accessory, the system evolved to embrace direct HDMI connections and eventually wireless functionality powered by Miracast.
DeX has become especially popular in business and creative environments, where users could edit documents, manage presentations, and even run Linux distributions through the “Linux on DeX” feature, until its retirement in 2019.
Over time, DeX expanded to include tablets and select mid-range Galaxy phones. The Windows application, however, offered a distinct layer of integration for some time. By allowing users to access DeX directly on their PCs, it bridged the gap between mobile and desktop systems, delivering a seamless experience for multitasking.
One UI 7: Streamlining Features
One UI 7, Samsung’s latest Android skin, is set to deliver also various other changes to its ecosystem. Based on Android 15, the update introduces a redesigned interface with modernized icons, enhanced widgets, and a customizable lock screen.
Native app icon customization, a long-requested feature, eliminates reliance on third-party tools like Good Lock, further streamlining the user experience. Reports also suggest the addition of dynamic, context-aware features similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island.
However, these advancements come at the cost of legacy features. Alongside the DeX Windows app, One UI 7 will also phase out third-party edge panel support. By retiring these elements, Samsung appears to be consolidating its offerings.
This transition also reflects a recognition of changing market dynamics. Cross-platform compatibility has become a priority for tech giants, with companies like Apple and Google investing heavily in seamless device integration.
Despite these changes, DeX remains a powerful standalone tool for those who use it with external monitors or TVs. Its ability to replicate a desktop environment on larger displays ensures it retains value in specific scenarios.
