Sending SMS, Viewing Photos, and Receiving Notifications on Your Computer with the Windows 10 "Your Phone" App

Modern technology is all about seamless connectivity, and the "Your Phone" app on Windows 10 is a great example of this. With it, you can send and receive SMS messages, view photos, and receive phone notifications directly on your computer screen. This guide will walk you through how to set up and use this app to make your workflow more convenient.

Benefits of Using the "Your Phone" App

The "Your Phone" app bridges your smartphone and Windows 10, offering several key benefits:

• Send and receive SMS messages directly from your computer;
• View photos from your phone on a larger screen, making editing and sharing easier;
• Receive all phone notifications on your PC, reducing distractions while working.

Setting Up the "Your Phone" App on Windows 10

Before you start, make sure your computer runs an up-to-date version of Windows 10 and your smartphone is connected to the internet. This app supports both Android and iOS, though Android devices offer more functionality.

Step 1: Install the App on Your Computer and Phone

Open the "Your Phone" app on your Windows 10 computer. If it’s not pre-installed, download it from the Microsoft Store. On your phone, download the "Your Phone Companion" app (or "Link to Windows") from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2: Connect Your Phone and Computer

After installation, open the app on both devices and follow the instructions to synchronize them. You’ll need to sign in to your Microsoft account. For optimal performance, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Grant Necessary Permissions

The app will request access to your phone’s notifications, messages, and files. Grant these permissions to enable full functionality.

Features of the "Your Phone" App

Sending and Receiving SMS

To send or read messages, open the "Messages" tab in the "Your Phone" app on your PC. Here, you can reply to SMS and send new messages using your computer’s keyboard. All messages sync automatically with your phone.

Viewing Photos

Under the "Photos" tab, the app displays your most recent images from your phone. You can view, download, and even edit these photos using your preferred software on your computer—ideal for managing large photo libraries.

Phone Notifications

All notifications from your phone appear on your computer in real-time. This feature keeps you informed without needing to check your phone frequently. You can also customize which notifications you want to see, disabling unnecessary alerts.