Microsoft Tests Remote PC Shutdown and Restart via Phone Link

Windows users who rely on the Phone Link app for phone integration now have a potential shortcut for managing their PC's power state directly from their Android device. Microsoft is testing remote shutdown, restart, sleep, and lock commands within the Phone Link Android application, which could streamline daily workflows for users who frequently switch between devices. This development matters because it reduces the need to physically approach the computer for basic power management tasks.

New commands link power actions to Windows Update for Android users

The new functionality integrates directly with Windows Update, allowing users to schedule maintenance without interrupting their current session. The updated commands include 'Update and restart' and 'Update and shut down', which link power actions to system updates. Sleep mode remains a distinct state that disconnects the PC from Link to Windows until the user manually wakes the machine.

Despite the visible interface options, the feature is currently disabled for both internal testers and the public. Debug logs from a recent build reveal that the underlying feature flags and experiment toggles are set to false. This means the remote power controls are not active in any current release, whether for general users or Microsoft insiders.

External sources indicate that these remote power controls may be exclusive to the Android version of Link to Windows. There is no evidence yet that Apple users will receive similar functionality, as iPhone support has historically lagged behind Android in the Phone Link ecosystem. Microsoft has not confirmed a release date or public availability for this testing phase.

We are tracking the rollout of these power management features as part of the broader Phone Link development cycle. The integration of Windows Update triggers into remote commands represents a specific utility for users who need to keep their PCs updated without manual intervention. Until the feature flags are enabled, the functionality remains unavailable for practical use.

Source: NotebookCheck