Microsoft wants your smartphone to act as a webcam for your PC
Link to Windows may soon let you use your smartphone as a webcam for your PC.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’s Phone Link may soon let you use your smartphone’s camera as a webcam on your PC. The folks over atAndroid Authorityspotted code within the Link to Windows app that suggests Microsoft is working on the new functionality.
There’s a good chance that a smartphone is the best camera that most people own. Manufacturers have spent years refining smartphone photography, and thebest Android phonescan take incredible photos and videos. It makes sense to use the best camera you own as a webcam, and Microsoft seems to want to ease that process.
It’s already possible to use your smartphone as a webcam for your PC using third-party software. But the feature making its way to Link to Windows would make it a bit easier to use, especially for those who already use the app to connect their phone and their PC.
As a quick point of clarity, the phone app you need to connect your smartphone to your computer is called “Link to Windows.” The PC app is called “Your Phone.”
Some Link to Windows features are exclusive to specific hardware, including screen mirroring and using Android apps on a PC. Samsung devices with Link to Windows preinstalled get access to all of the app’s features.OnePlus recently sharedthat its devices running OxygenOS 14 will support the full range of Link to Windows features as well.
Phone Link |Free through Microsoft Store
This app allows you to connect your smartphone and PC to send and receive messages and calls. It appears that the app may soon support using your smartphone’s camera as a webcam for your PC.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
