Microsoft to Add Remote Power Controls to Windows Phone Link
Microsoft is addressing persistent connection issues in its Phone Link app while preparing to introduce new remote shutdown and restart capabilities for Windows 11 users.
📰Gadget NewsPhoto: Ubergizmo
Key points
- Phone Link currently suffers from disconnects after Windows sleep cycles.
- Microsoft is developing remote shutdown, restart, and update features for the app.
- Stability fixes are being prioritized alongside new feature development.
Microsoft is working to resolve ongoing stability problems within its Phone Link application, which frequently disconnects or enters a persistent loading loop after a computer wakes from sleep mode. Users have reported various issues, including failed file transfers and inaccurate connection status alerts, often caused by conflicts between Windows power management and Android background service policies. Pavan Davuluri, head of the Windows division, confirmed that the engineering team is prioritizing connection reliability to ensure seamless integration between mobile devices and PCs.
Alongside these stability patches, the company is expanding the utility of the platform. Microsoft team member Aaron K announced that users will soon be able to trigger a shutdown, restart, or apply pending Windows 11 updates directly from their smartphone interface. This feature aims to turn the companion app into a more robust management tool for cross-device control.
Due to the dual focus on fixing existing bugs and developing these new control functions, the public release of these updates may be delayed. While the current experience remains hindered by connectivity glitches, the planned improvements suggest a more integrated future for Windows and mobile device management.
Should you buy it? While Phone Link is a free, integrated tool, users currently experiencing connection drops may want to wait for the upcoming stability patch before relying on it for critical file transfers.
Source Ubergizmo — ubergizmo.com/2026/11/windows-11-restart-shutdown-pc-via-smartphone/ ↗
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