That QR code is generated during the setup of the Link to Windows app on your PC, and will add your Microsoft account to your smartphone in order to manage all of your data wirelessly.Īfter pairing via QR code, you'll need to grant permission for the Link to Windows app to run in the background on your smartphone. The Link to Windows app uses your phone's camera to link with your PC easily via a QR code. Once you've got those set up (just follow the in-app prompts), you can move on with the setup. At the bare minimum, you'll need to grant access to the following permissions: The only permission the app doesn't need is your location. Upon first opening the Link to Windows companion app on Android, you'll be asked to grant permission for the app to access your text messages, contacts, and photos. Each app needs to be set up in order to get your PC and phone linked, but you'll want to start with the Android app first.

Upon opening it for the first time, you'll be directed to download the companion app on your Android phone. Microsoft does a great job at getting you set up through the Link to Windows app on PC.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Open the phone companion app