Can I lock my Windows 11 PC remotely using my Android phone?

Is the Link to Windows app secure for remote computer access?

New Security Controls for Android and Windows Integration

Microsoft has introduced a critical security utility to the Link to Windows ecosystem, allowing Android users to manually lock their Windows 11 workstations from a mobile device. This update addresses a common physical security vulnerability: leaving a computer unattended and unlocked. By bridging the gap between mobile presence and desktop security, administrators and general users gain immediate control over their system’s access points without needing to be at their desks.

The Mechanics of Remote Locking

The new “Lock PC” function operates as a strict, one-way security command. When you trigger this command from the Link to Windows app on Android, the paired Windows 11 PC immediately suspends the active user session and returns to the login screen.

Key Technical distinctions:

Unilateral Action

The system permits remote locking but explicitly forbids remote unlocking. This design choice preserves the integrity of your workstation’s authentication boundary. Allowing a phone to bypass the Windows login screen would introduce significant attack vectors, whereas a remote lock command only secures the device.

Manual vs. Automated

This feature differs from “Dynamic Lock,” which relies on Bluetooth signal degradation to detect when a user walks away. Bluetooth proximity can be inconsistent; the Link to Windows lock button provides a definitive, immediate execution command that works regardless of signal fluctuation.

Enhanced Connectivity and Data Visibility

Beyond security, version 1.25102.140.0 of the application restructures how data flows between devices. The update eliminates previous friction points in cross-device file management.

Bi-Directional File Sharing

Previous iterations heavily favored PC-to-phone transfers. The architecture now supports a fully symmetric workflow. You can push documents and media from an Android directory directly to the Windows filesystem without utilizing third-party cloud storage or email intermediaries.

Activity Logging

A new “Recent Activity” dashboard provides a localized audit trail. This interface displays a chronological history of:

• File transfers completed in either direction.
• Images shared via the gallery integration.
• Text snippets synchronized via the shared clipboard.

This visibility ensures users can track exactly what data moved between devices, acting as a lightweight history log for productivity and security auditing.

Implementation and Compatibility

This functionality relies on deep system integration available primarily within the Android ecosystem. While iOS devices support a limited version of Link to Windows, the remote lock and expanded file system access are currently exclusive to Android due to OS-level permission structures.

Requirements for Deployment:

1. Operating System: The host machine must run Windows 11.
2. Application Version: The Android device requires Link to Windows version 1.25102.140.0 or higher.
3. Connection Status: The devices must maintain an active pairing via the Phone Link system.

The rollout appears to be server-side, meaning the feature may appear at different times for different users even if the app version is correct. If the option is absent, verify the connection stability or check the Google Play Store for pending updates.