Link to Windows

The Problem with Microsoft’s App Launcher: A Closer Look at Link to Windows

If you own an Android smartphone and frequently use Microsoft’s ecosystem—Skype, SwiftKey, Office Lens, Outlook, Xbox, or Wunderlist—you’ve likely encountered a peculiar app called Link to Windows. Developed by Microsoft Corporation (version 3.7.9), this utility positions itself as a central hub for managing your Microsoft applications. However, its functionality is far more limited than its name suggests. Instead of offering direct downloads or deep integration, the app functions primarily as a redirector to Google Play Store listings. You tap an “Install” button, and it sends you to the Play Store page for that app. No automatic downloads, no batch updates, no background syncing. For users expecting a seamless, "link to Windows" experience—like mirroring notifications or transferring files between your phone and PC—this app is a disappointment.

What It Actually Does: The Core Mechanics

At its core, Link to Windows is a catalog of Microsoft’s Android apps. It displays a list of titles you may have installed, such as SwiftKey, Skype, Office Lens, Outlook, Xbox, and Wunderlist. When you select an app, the app checks if you already have it installed. If not, it offers a button to “Install” which simply redirects you to the Google Play Store. Similarly, if an app is outdated, you’ll see an “Update” button that again takes you to the Play Store. There is no background update checker, no one-tap update mechanism, and no direct download from within the app. The app itself is essentially a static list with hyperlinks. It does not manage permissions, settings, or data between your phone and Windows PC. For users who want to keep their Microsoft apps updated without manually checking the Play Store, this provides a minor convenience—but it’s far from a robust solution.

Feature Breakdown: What You Get (and What You Don't)

• App Discovery and Update Notifications: The main function is to show you which Microsoft apps are installed and whether they need updating. It acts as a visual reminder, but you must manually tap each one to be taken to the Play Store for the actual update.
• No Automatic Downloads or Background Updates: Unlike third-party app managers, Link to Windows does not download or install anything on its own. Every action requires you to leave the app and interact with the Play Store. This makes it more of a “shortcut list” than a true management tool.
• Zero Advertising and No Premium Features: The app is completely ad-free. There are no in-app purchases, no subscription tiers, and no “Turbo” mode. It’s a bare-bones utility with no extra functionality beyond what’s described. This simplicity could be seen as a positive (no distractions) or a negative (no value-add).

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Installing?

For a user who already relies heavily on Microsoft’s Android apps and wants a single place to check their update status, Link to Windows offers a modest convenience. However, the app’s limitations—no direct downloads, no background updates, no Windows PC integration—make it feel like a missed opportunity. It’s essentially a bookmark list disguised as an application. If you’re looking for deep integration between your Android phone and Windows PC (like file sharing, notification mirroring, or remote access), you’ll need a different tool. But if you simply want a quick visual reminder of which Microsoft apps are installed and whether they’re up-to-date, this app does that job—nothing more, nothing less.

Download Mobile App Now

Take control of your Microsoft app updates with Link to Windows. Get instant access to your full list of Microsoft apps and see at a glance which ones need attention. Get your bonus now—download Link to Windows from Google Play today and start keeping your apps updated without the hassle of manual checks.

Technical Disclaimer: This app requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to function properly. In-app purchases may be available for certain features, though the core update-checking functionality is free. Standard data charges from your mobile carrier may apply.