- Microsoft is working on remote controls to shut down, restart, suspend, and update PCs from Android.
- The feature is disabled in the Link to Windows app, discovered in the code.
- It includes confirmation alerts to prevent data loss.
- There is no release date or support for iPhone.
Microsoft continues to expand the integration between Android and Windows 11. The latest development, discovered in the code of the Link to Windows app, suggests that we will soon be able to shut down, restart, or suspend our computer directly from our mobile device. This feature, still under development, would allow users to manage their computer remotely without having to be physically present at it.
The discovery was made possible by analyzing a recent build of the Android app. Within it, references appear to a component called RemoteControlManager, which includes commands for controlling the PC's power. Although everything is currently disabled, the text strings clearly reveal Microsoft's intentions.
New remote power controls in Link to Windows
The Windows Link app, also known as Phone Link, already allows you to lock your PC from your phone, check the battery level, and send files. Now, internal files reveal that work is underway to expand these controls. The goal is to turn your phone into a remote control for your computer , with options to shut it down, restart it, or put it to sleep.
Additionally, labels such as 'Update and restart' and 'Update and shut down' have been found. This suggests that the feature will take into account pending Windows updates , allowing them to be installed before the remote action is performed. This would be a way to keep the system up to date without needing to be physically present at the computer.
Functions included: power off, restart, suspend, and update
The detected commands include the basic shutdown and restart options, as well as sleep mode. For sleep mode, the system will warn that the PC will disconnect from the phone once it goes to sleep and that it will need to be physically woken up. This makes sense, since a device in sleep mode is no longer visible on the network.
Regarding updates, the confirmation messages will be more detailed. The application will explain that Windows needs to restart to complete the process and that any unsaved work will be lost . Only after confirmation will the command be executed.
Warnings to prevent data loss
Microsoft has considered the main risk of remotely shutting down or restarting: data loss. Therefore, specific confirmation messages will be included warning that there may be open applications with unsaved data. In the case of updates, the message will be even more explicit, reminding users that nothing can be saved from the device.
These warnings are a necessary safety measure to prevent unpleasant surprises. Although the feature is intended for convenience, the company wants users to be aware of the potential consequences before submitting an order.
Current status and availability
For now, all these controls are disabled. Not even users in the Insider program have access to them. The feature remains hidden in the code , and there's no official release date. Microsoft hasn't confirmed anything, so everything we know comes from analyzing the APK.
It's common for the company to test features gradually, and some may eventually be discarded. There's no guarantee this feature will reach users , although the level of detail suggests development is quite advanced.
Compatibility and requirements
For now, everything points to this feature being exclusive to Android. There's no indication it will come to iPhone , as the iOS version of Link to Windows is usually behind in these kinds of updates. Furthermore, you'll need to pair your phone with your PC and use the same Microsoft account.
It's also unclear whether it will only work on the same Wi-Fi network or if it can be controlled via the internet. That could be the difference between local control and remote control from anywhere. Until Microsoft confirms this, it's all speculation.
In short, Microsoft is preparing a feature that will allow users to shut down, restart, suspend, and update their PC from an Android phone. Although it's not yet available, the app's code clearly indicates that the company is working on it. With alerts to prevent data loss and the ability to install updates, this new feature could turn your phone into a true remote control for your computer. We'll have to wait and see if and when it's finally released.