MY CARTThe Mobile Device Pane in the Start Menu in Windows 11: Video Lesson
This video lesson, titled “The Mobile Device Pane in the Start Menu in Windows 11,” shows you how to use the mobile device pane in the Start Menu and how to turn it off, if you want.
About the Mobile Device Pane:
Microsoft recently expanded the release of the mobile device pane in the Start Menu to more users. So, you may now see this feature appear in the regular Windows builds. Previously, it was only available to Windows beta testers and developers. This video shows you how to pair a phone to Windows 11 using the mobile device pane. It also shows you how to turn off the mobile device pane in the Start Menu of Windows 11, if desired.
The mobile device pane provides you with easy access to content from your paired phone. Note that you still pair your phone with Windows 11 using the Phone Link app, as usual. However, now you can see its information more easily in the mobile device pane.
If you haven’t yet paired a phone with Windows 11, the mobile device pane makes that part easier. To pair a phone using the mobile device pane, click the “Start” button to show the Start Menu and the mobile device pane. Then click either the “Android” or “iPhone” link, as needed, and follow the instructions that appear onscreen to finish. Once connected, you can then access the phone content in the pane.
Alternatively, if you simply want to hide the mobile device pane from the Start Menu, click the “Hide this pane” link in the mobile device pane or right-click the “Start” button and select the “Settings” command to open the “Settings” app. Then click “Personalization” at the left side of the “Settings” app window. Then click the “Start” settings category to the right. Finally, click the “Show mobile device in Start” toggle switch to set it to the “Off” position. You can then close the “Settings” window.
A picture of the mobile device pane that appears in the Start Menu.
