Your Android phone can now shut down or restart your PC

Microsoft’s Link to Windows is a useful utility app that lets you remotely access certain phone functions on your Windows computer. It currently lets you access phone calls, messages, photos, and transfer files between your desktop and a linked Android phone. We recently learned that Microsoft is adding the ability to remotely shut down, restart, or put your computer to sleep. These functions are now officially rolling out in the Link to Windows app.

While Link to Windows currently lets you lock your computer, the version 1.26101.103.0 beta adds additional controls for common actions.

Notably, the existing Lock PC option has been replaced with a button labeled Power. Tapping this button opens a bottom sheet containing Lock PC, Sleep PC, Shut down, and Restart options.

We’re also getting a good look at some of the warning dialogs that appear when you shut down/restart your PC, or put it to sleep. These messages warn users that they may lose unsaved data when they take these actions.

The note that appears when you put your computer to sleep is slightly different, warning users that they’ll need to be physically present near their PC to wake it back up.

Additionally, the Link to Windows app offers options to finish pending updates before you restart or shut down your PC. The accompanying text says choosing either option will close all apps, install the update, and then shut down/restart the computer, as the fourth screenshot above shows.

You can already control your computer’s power using tools like Remote Desktop. However, adding these functions to the Link to Windows app is still a welcome addition, especially for those who already use it regularly for a variety of tasks.