Microsoft Begins Rolling Out Limited Support for iMessage on Windows 11

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Phone Link for iOS on Windows 11 is beginning to rollout globally in 39 languages across 85 markets. Phone Link enables limited support for iMessage on Windows via a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone.

We know that being able to effortlessly connect to friends and family during important times is critical so we've taken a conservative approach to launching this update. To ensure the highest quality experience for our users, we asked our Windows Insiders to engage and provide feedback during the preview phase. We've heard positive feedback such as "this is exactly what I've been hoping for on my Windows PC" and we're excited to begin a gradual rollout to our Windows 11 audience with all users enabled by mid-May.

Microsoft says the ability to make this PC/iOS Phone connection, will prevent Windows 11 customers from worrying about missed iPhone calls or texts while focusing on their Windows PC.


"Once enabled by the Windows 11 customer, Phone Link for iOS will offer basic iOS support for calls, messages and access to contacts. This means if your phone is tucked away during a presentation or focus time, you'll receive notifications on your Windows PC and can choose which action to take – all on your Windows 11 PC. Need access to your iPhone photos on your PC? Our iCloud integration with Photos makes this a simple process – all within the Photos app in Windows 11."

Note that image/video sharing and group messaging is not supported. Messages are session based and will only come through when your phone is connected to your PC.

How to get started using Phone Link on Windows 11 PCs
Over the next few weeks, you'll begin to see this feature become available on your PC. To begin using it or to check if it's enabled, simply start with the Search box on your Windows taskbar to find "Phone Link." A guided step-by-step installation will walk you through setting it up. You'll need an iPhone running iOS 14 or higher.

Link to Windows is available from the Apple App Store. Phone Link for Windows 11 is available on the Microsoft Store.