- The link to the Windows app on Android has a new ‘Lock PC’ button
- This allows you to externally lock your Windows 11 -PC from the phone
- Other goodies introduced with Link to Windows recently also include the opportunity to get clipboard content from your PC on your smartphone
Windows 11 users are given the opportunity to lock their PC externally by using their Android smartphone if you assume these two devices are connected via the phone link app.
Windows Central reports that the possibility of locking your Windows 11 -PC with the press of a button from your phone is now present in the over -sighted link to the Windows app on Android. Apparently it is in version 1,25071.165 of the app (or newer), but the functionality is still rolled out so it can take a while yet not appear for all users.
The ‘Lock PC’ button could come very convenient if you leave your desktop PC for a quick trip to the coffee machine, but end up being called away longer and then you will make sure the device is safe while you’re away (without having to return to the computer).
As Windows Central notices when using this external locking feature, it will disconnect your smartphone from the phone link app until you log in.
The freshly designed link to the Windows app also allows you to access the contents of the clipboard on your Windows 11 -PC (if you have this synchronized), and also allows you to see recently shared files.
Analysis: A battery -saving alternative to dynamic lock
This is potentially very useful extras that add a great deal of convenience – it can be very convenient to grab Windows 11 Clipboard content on your smartphone. And as mentioned, the ability to distort to lock your computer can be a kind of security lifeguard in certain situations (maybe not often, but when you need ability, you will be happy about it).
However, there is something else to be aware of here with regard to existing functionality. As Windows Central points out, you can already have your PC automatically lock when you are not present by using a Bluetooth-driven feature. This is called Dynamic Lock and it works by kicking in when you have left your PC and your smartphone is far enough away, so the Bluetooth signal is weakened to a certain level.
However, the catch here is obvious enough – not everyone wants to keep Bluetooth constantly on (considering the battery drainage on the phone or actually the Windows 11 PC if it is a laptop). So a simple manual alternative in the form of the ‘Lock PC’ button is clearly a blessing.
Microsoft is making good advances with telephone links, although this progress is more of the slow and stable variety than huge jumps forward. There are still some Bugbears left with users, especially that only Samsung Galaxy phones get the best features.
