Microsoft Expands Phone Link with Remote Power Controls

Microsoft is quietly working on expanding its Phone Link feature to include remote power controls for connected Windows 11 PCs. Strings in the Link to Windows app reveal that users may soon be able to lock, restart, or shut down their paired PC from their Android phone.

The new commands are tied to a component called RemoteControlManager and will allow users to update and restart or shut down their PC as part of the process. However, it's worth noting that these features are not yet enabled for testers and have been disabled internally in the latest build.

Microsoft has not confirmed any release date or delivery method for this feature, but if it ships, it will build on Phone Link's existing lock function, allowing users to handle a PC left running at home or shut one down remotely without needing separate remote-desktop software or additional hardware.