File transfers have taken many different forms over the years, from floppy disks and CD-Rs to USB sticks and wireless transfers. Apple has really set an example here with the latter, as AirDrop allows users to move files around effortlessly. Now Microsoft is providing its own AirDrop-like solution, as the Link to Windows and Phone Link app support transfers between Windows PCs and Android phones.

There is no shortage of wireless file transfer options on Windows and Android, but we are particularly interested when we see a new attempt from a company like Microsoft, as software like this has the best chance of success and widespread adoption when it comes from the people behind a platform. Google has its own Vicinity Quick Share for Windows, and now Microsoft is trying its own.

If you have a recent version of Phone Link on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC and the Link to Windows app on your phone, Microsoft says you can now move files back and forth between the two using the native sharing menus. No matter where your files are sent, you’ll receive a notification on the destination device when they arrive. Although the official support documents don’t mention any restrictions on availability, Windows Central points out that this is currently visible to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, which would be the last step before a public push.

While this kind of basic functionality is long overdue and there are other perfectly adequate solutions, we’re still happy to see Microsoft finally achieve this success. Try it for yourself and let us know in the comments if you think it was worth the wait.