Windows 11 is rolling out a new feature in its preview version 25231 on the Dev Channel, aimed at simplifying the process of connecting your computer to a mobile phone hotspot. This update, currently in beta and exclusively supporting Samsung phones, promises a seamless experience for users.

Instant Hotspot with Phone Link

The new feature leverages the Phone Link app (formerly known as Your Phone) to enable instant hotspot connections. If your Samsung phone, running One UI 4.1.1 or later, is within range, you can connect to its hotspot with just a single click. This eliminates the need to manually configure settings, enter passwords, or toggle options on your phone.

To utilize this feature, you need a Bluetooth-enabled computer, Windows 11 preview build 25231, and the desktop software version v1.22082.111.0 or later. Microsoft provides detailed setup instructions and lists other changes and bug fixes in their official blog post on the new build.

Practical Use Cases

The instant hotspot feature is particularly useful in various scenarios. For instance, when you’re on the go and need to connect your Windows 11 laptop to the internet via your phone’s cellular connection, this feature ensures a hassle-free experience. Additionally, if you encounter a sudden internet outage at home, you can quickly switch to your phone’s mobile broadband without any delay, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity until your main internet service is restored.

Current Limitations and Future Hopes

Despite the convenience, a significant limitation is that this feature is currently exclusive to Samsung phones. This isn’t the first time Phone Link functionality has been restricted to Samsung devices, which has been a point of frustration for many users. Even Microsoft’s own Surface Duo 2, which runs on Android, doesn’t support this feature yet.

There is hope that Microsoft will extend this capability to other devices soon. The early testing channel suggests that the feature is still under development, and there’s a possibility it might not make it to the final release of Windows 11. However, given its utility, it is expected that Microsoft will continue to refine and potentially expand this functionality.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of the instant hotspot feature in Windows 11 marks a significant step towards more integrated and user-friendly connectivity solutions. While currently limited to Samsung phones, the positive feedback and demand from users might encourage Microsoft to broaden support to include more devices. This would ensure that more users can benefit from the convenience of instant hotspot connectivity, regardless of their smartphone brand.

For more details on setting up this feature and other updates included in the latest Windows 11 build, you can visit Microsoft’s official blog.