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November 2, 2026 • 2 min read
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Microsoft is making it easier to use Android apps on Windows 11 without having to open Phone Link first. You can now search for an app on your PC and launch it directly from the results, with the app opening on your connected phone and mirroring to your desktop.
Windows 11 Search can now find apps installed on your phone
Folks over at Windows Latest spotted the change while testing Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 Insider builds. Searching for an Android app, such as Bluesky, brings up a result labelled “Mobile App” alongside regular Windows Search results.
Clicking Open launches the app on the connected Android phone and mirrors it through Phone Link. The app itself still runs on your phone, but you can interact with it using your PC’s larger screen, keyboard, and mouse.
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This isn’t an entirely new capability. Phone Link already lets supported Android phones stream apps to Windows PCs. However, you previously had to open Phone Link and select the app yourself. Searching for its name directly in Windows makes the process much quicker.
Microsoft is also adding more phone controls to Search
Microsoft’s October 30 release notes for Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26340.9843 mention another set of phone-related Search features. You can now search for contacts to call or text and access phone actions such as Do Not Disturb.
Microsoft says Android support is available now, while iPhone support is expected early next year. Interestingly, its release notes don’t mention launching Android apps through Search.
You’ll also need a supported Android phone to use Phone Link’s app streaming feature. Microsoft lists select devices from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. The phone also needs to meet Microsoft’s Android and connectivity requirements.
The new Search integration is still being tested with Windows Insiders, and Microsoft hasn’t announced when it will reach everyone. Still, being able to type an app’s name on your PC and open it from your phone is a handy little improvement to Windows and Android integration.
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