How to disable and remove Phone Link App (YourPhone.exe/PhoneExperienceHost.exe Process) in Windows

Microsoft Phone Link, formerly known as Your Phone, is a Windows application designed to bridge the gap between your Android or iPhone and your computer. If you’ve ever glanced at your Task Manager and wondered about the yourphone.exe process, you’re not alone.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of this process, discuss its impact on system performance, and guide you on safely disabling or removing it if needed.

What Exactly Is YourPhone.exe (PhoneExperienceHost.exe)?

YourPhone.exe, also known as PhoneExperienceHost.exe, is a legitimate process directly tied to the Phone Link app. This utility serves as a convenient bridge, allowing seamless connections between your Windows computer and your iPhone or Android device. Its functionalities extend to receiving notifications, making calls, recording screens, and more.

Even when you’re not actively engaged with the app, the YourPhone.exe process quietly operates in the background, with minimal impact on your system’s performance. Keep in mind that for the app to work seamlessly, it needs to establish a connection with your network to sync notifications and interact with your phone.

When to Consider Disabling YourPhone.exe

While Phone Link is generally a lightweight and efficient utility, there might be instances where the YourPhone.exe process could be causing performance issues on your system. If you find your computer’s resources strained, it’s perfectly safe to terminate the process through Task Manager.

If, however, you still see “Your Phone” instead of “Phone Link,” a quick solution involves heading to the Microsoft Store and ensuring that you have the latest version of the app installed. This ensures that you’re benefiting from any performance improvements or bug fixes introduced in recent updates.

In the following sections, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to safely disable or remove the Phone Link app in both Windows 10 and 11, giving you the flexibility to optimize your system according to your preferences.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive walkthrough that empowers you to make informed decisions about YourPhone.exe and the Phone Link app on your Windows device.

How to Terminate YourPhone.exe Using Task Manager

If you’re experiencing performance issues or simply want to stop the YourPhone.exe process, you can easily do so using Task Manager. Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Right-click on your Taskbar and choose “Task Manager” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Win + X and select Task Manager from the Power Windows-X menu.
2. If you’re using Windows 11, type “Phone Link” into the Task Manager search bar to locate the process. On Windows 10, find the process under the “Background Processes” section.
3. Once you’ve located the Phone Link process, select it, and click on “End Task.”
4. Since the Phone Link app is set to auto-start during a system restart, it’s crucial to disable it from the Startup Apps tab in Task Manager.
5. In Task Manager, switch to the “Startup apps” tab.
6. Locate the Phone Link (Your Phone) app in the right pane.
7. Click on the app to select it.
8. In the top-right corner, click the “Disable” button.

By following these steps, you effectively terminate the YourPhone.exe process and prevent the Phone Link app from restarting automatically during your computer’s next boot. This gives you control over when the app runs, allowing you to manage system resources more efficiently.

How to Prevent Your Phone from Running in the Background:

If terminating the YourPhone.exe process didn’t resolve the issue, you can take further steps to disable the Phone Link app from running in the background. Depending on your operating system, the process varies slightly.

For Windows 11 Users

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. In the left pane, navigate to the System tab.
3. Scroll down and click on System Components.
4. Locate the Phone Link app and click on the three-dots menu next to it.
5. Select Advanced options.
6. Under Background component permissions, click the drop-down menu next to Power optimized (recommended).
7. Choose Never. This setting ensures that the Phone Link app won’t run in the background.

For Windows 10 Users

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps and search for Phone Link.
3. Select Phone Link from the search results.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Toggle the switch under Apps permission for Background apps to stop Phone Link from running in the background.

By following these steps based on your Windows version, you gain control over the background operation of the Phone Link app. This not only addresses performance concerns but also allows you to manage system resources more efficiently. Keep in mind that staying informed about your system’s settings empowers you to tailor your computing experience according to your preferences.

How to Uninstall the Phone Link App in Windows 10 and 11

If you find that the YourPhone.exe process persists or you simply don’t use the Phone Link app, uninstalling it from your Windows computer might be the solution. Follow these steps for a seamless removal process:

1. Press the Win key and type PowerShell in the search bar.
2. Right-click on PowerShell from the search results and select Run as administrator to open the elevated PowerShell window.
3. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.YourPhone -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
4. Allow the command to execute; this will efficiently remove the Phone Link app from your computer.
5. If you ever reconsider using the Phone Link app and want to reinstall it, you can easily do so from the Microsoft Store.

By following these steps, you not only uninstall the Phone Link app but also ensure that any associated processes, including YourPhone.exe, are no longer active on your system. This gives you a clean slate and the flexibility to manage your installed applications according to your preferences.

YourPhone.exe is Not a Virus or Trojan, but a Legitimate Component

YourPhone.exe, also known as Phone Link, is a legitimate process associated with the Phone Link app on Windows. It is crucial to dispel any concerns about its nature, as it is not a virus or trojan. If you come across YourPhone.exe in Task Manager, there’s no need for alarm; it’s a legitimate component of the Windows operating system.

Removing YourPhone.exe: Managing the Phone Link Process

While YourPhone.exe is not a security risk, you have the flexibility to manage its presence based on your preferences.

• Limit Background Permissions: Allowing the Phone Link process to run in the background is essential for the app to provide its services seamlessly. However, if you wish to limit its background permissions, you can do so to prevent it from connecting to your phone and displaying real-time information. Refer to the earlier sections for detailed steps on how to achieve this on both Windows 10 and 11.
• Uninstalling Phone Link: If you find that the Phone Link app is unnecessary for your usage and you want to reclaim storage space on your hard drive, you can uninstall it. The uninstallation process involves using PowerShell, as conventional methods may not apply to built-in Windows apps. Follow the steps outlined in the previous section for a clean and efficient removal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, YourPhone.exe is not a threat to your system. Understanding its role, managing its permissions, and deciding whether to keep or uninstall the associated app empower you to tailor your Windows experience to your needs. Stay informed and in control of your system’s components to ensure optimal performance.