Phone Link Does Not Load on Windows 11 Laptop

Ted's Laptop 20 Reputation points
2026-09-21T14:56:57.0766667+00:00

The app is installed on my laptop, but it does not open. A box appears for 5 seconds then goes away. I see no option where the app has 3 dots next to it, so I cannot figure out how to repair or uninstall. Assistance is appreciated.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Connect Phone and PC
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Answer accepted by question author
Paulo GM 72,670 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-21T15:36:11.2833333+00:00

Hi,

You can open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking on the taskbar > Task Manaer, then once it is open, find Phone Link in the list of processes, right-click it, and select End task.

If it still doesn't open normally after that, try resetting the app. The steps for resetting it are provided at the beginning of the automated answer.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-21T14:57:14.25+00:00

    On Windows 11, Phone Link may be listed under System components instead of Installed apps.

    Try this path first:

    1. Open Settings > System.
    2. Scroll down to System components.
    3. Find Phone Link.
    4. Select the three-dot menu next to it, then open Advanced options.
    5. Use Terminate, then Repair, and if needed Reset.

    If Phone Link still does not open after that:

    1. Open Microsoft Store.
    2. Go to Downloads.
    3. Update Phone Link, or select Update all.
    4. Restart the laptop and try opening Phone Link again.

    If the app opens briefly and closes, also check the Android/PC connection prerequisites in case the app is failing during startup:

    1. Confirm the PC and Android device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
    2. Make sure Battery saver is off on both devices.
    3. Confirm the same Microsoft account is signed in on both Phone Link and Link to Windows.
    4. On the Android device, turn off battery optimization for Link to Windows:
      • Android Settings > Apps & notifications > App info > Link to Windows > Advanced > Battery > Manage Battery Usage > Battery optimization > Link to Windows > Don't optimize
      • On some devices: Android Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Battery > Optimize battery usage > All > Link to Windows > Off

    If the app was working before and now will not reconnect properly, relink it:

    1. On the Android device, open Link to Windows.
    2. Select the Microsoft account under Linked Account.
    3. Go to Account Settings > Sign out and unlink account.
    4. Confirm Unlink.
    5. On the PC, open Phone Link.
    6. Go to Settings > Devices > Add new device.
    7. Follow the prompts to pair the phone again.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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