Windows 11 Taskbar Now Allows You to Resume Android Activities by Microsoft

Microsoft has introduced an exciting new feature with its latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, allowing users to seamlessly continue their tasks from Android devices to Windows PCs. This functionality leverages the M365 Copilot app, enabling users to transfer their browsing activities and cloud documents with a simple click.

This innovation builds upon Microsoft’s earlier efforts in August, which only included Spotify as a supported app for cross-device resuming. The technology operates via the Link to Windows app and Microsoft’s Continuity SDK, which silently transmits “app context”from the phone to the PC, facilitating the resumption of the same activity.

Seamless Continuation of Online Files with M365 Copilot

The latest Insider Preview update enhances the functionality within the M365 Copilot app, allowing users to continue working on online Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly from their Android device. If the corresponding Office applications are installed on your PC, the files will open there; otherwise, users will be directed to the online versions in their browsers. However, it is important to note that only online documents are supported, leaving local files restricted to the phone.

M365 Copilot app and OneDrive in a Samsung phone

This cross-device feature is currently limited to specific brands, including Samsung, Honor, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo, with the notable absence of Xiaomi and Motorola, which have significant market presence. Google’s Pixel devices also do not support this functionality at this time.

For Vivo users, the experience is particularly smooth, as they can seamlessly pick up their browsing sessions from the Vivo Browser on their Windows 11 PC without any additional steps. The active tab is sent automatically to the PC, prompting a notification on the taskbar to open it in the PC’s browser.

Understanding the Technical Mechanism Behind Cross-Device Resume

The inner workings of this feature involve the Link to Windows application and a backend layer known as the Continuity SDK. This setup enables the phone to generate a compact “context packet”containing vital details about the app and content being used.

Once this packet reaches Windows through the Cross Device Experience Host (CDEH), it launches the appropriate application or web browser tab. Central to this operation is what is referred to as the AppContext, a structured piece of metadata that informs Windows about the desired activity to resume, the source app, and where to continue on the PC.

Illustration of cross-device file handoff with M365 Copilot

For developers, the process involves integrating the Continuity SDK within their applications to enable this handoff. This SDK must be properly configured to interact with Link to Windows, ensuring that the app can send its AppContext effectively. Any disconnection or battery-saving mode disabling of the Link to Windows app may hinder performance.

There are specific prerequisites for the feature to function correctly:

Link to Windows must run in the background on the Android device.
The phone must be paired with the PC.
The partner app must receive approval from Microsoft, as resume capabilities are part of a restricted API.
Windows must be running Insider Build 26220.7271 with the required provisioning for understanding the AppContext schema.

Currently, offline files on phones are unsupported due to the lack of a sharable endpoint. Only online files accessed through the M365 Copilot app qualify for transfer to Windows PCs at this time.

While Microsoft has integrated features for a select group of manufacturers, questions remain as to why other brands, such as Xiaomi and Motorola, aren’t included. Since OEMs must meet specific criteria for using the Resume API, only those who have successfully implemented the necessary integration are currently able to utilize this feature.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Microsoft aims to create an ecosystem akin to Apple’s Handoff, promoting a fluid workflow across devices. However, the execution has yet to reach the level of user experience typical of Apple products, mainly due to Android’s inherent fragmentation caused by various manufacturers.

The absence of iOS support means that iPhone users are currently left out of this experience. Microsoft has acknowledged the challenges in getting the necessary iOS apps to communicate effectively in the background. For those users who have yet to transition to Mac hardware, the introduction of budget-friendly alternatives from Apple poses a real threat to Windows’ market share.

Despite these obstacles, hope remains for Microsoft as it seeks to enhance integration with more Android OEMs, providing mutual benefits in market growth. To facilitate this, Microsoft must address the reliability of the resume function, broaden device compatibility, and simplify the onboarding process for developers.

How to Enable the Resume-from-Phone Feature in Windows 11

Ensure you’re on the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) in the Dev or Beta Channel.
Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
Enable “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices.”
Go to Manage devices and pair your compatible Android phone (Samsung, Honor, Huawei, Oppo, or Vivo) via Bluetooth.
Launch the Link to Windows app on your phone, following the setup instructions while allowing the app to function in the background.
In PC settings, check that the “Resume”feature is active.
Trigger a resume event, and if configured correctly, you should see a notification on your PC’s taskbar indicating that you can continue your activity.

At present, the following cross-device resume functionalities are available:

Vivo Browser for resuming browsing sessions.
M365 Copilot app enabling continuation in online Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Spotify for audio resumption from previous sessions.

In conclusion, while Microsoft is making strides towards creating a cohesive ecosystem, there’s still work to be done in achieving a user experience that rivals Apple’s leading offerings. To expand capability, Microsoft calls upon developers to engage in integrating cross-device resume features into their applications, fostering a richer user experience.