How to Disable/Uninstall Microsoft Phone Link App in Windows 11

If you’re looking to free up resources on your Windows 11 computer or no longer need the Microsoft Phone Link App, this guide will walk you through the steps to either disable it temporarily or uninstall it permanently.

What is the Microsoft Phone Link App?

The Microsoft Phone Link App is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that allows you to connect your Android smartphone to your computer. It offers various functionalities, such as syncing notifications, sharing files, and even making calls from your PC. While it can be a useful tool for some, there are valid reasons to consider disabling or uninstalling it.

Reasons to Disable or Uninstall Microsoft Phone Link App

There are several reasons why you might want to disable or uninstall the Microsoft Phone Link App:

Resource Optimization: If you want to allocate more resources to other tasks or applications, disabling or uninstalling the app can help improve your system’s performance.
Privacy Concerns: Some users may have privacy concerns about the app’s access to their smartphone data. Thus, disabling or uninstalling it can address these worries.
Reduced Clutter: Simplify your Windows 11 experience by removing apps and features you don’t use.

How to Disable Microsoft Phone Link App Temporarily?

Here are the steps that you can implement to disable Microsoft Phone Link App Temporarily:

Method 1: Using Task Manager

Here are the steps that you need to follow while using Task Manager:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Locate the “Phone Link” app in the list of running processes.
Right-click on it and select “End task”.

Method 2: Disabling Startup in Settings

You can also try to disable Startup in Settings, here’s how:

Open “Settings” by pressing Win + I.
Go to “Apps” and select “Startup” from the left sidebar.
Find “Phone Link” in the list of startup apps and toggle it off.

How to Uninstall the Microsoft Phone Link App Permanently?

We have discussed the different methods and steps to uninstall the Microsoft Phone link app permanently:

Method 1: Using Control Panel

Go through the steps mentioned below and apply them in the exact order provided:

Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
Click on “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” section.
Find “Phone Link” in the list of installed programs, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall.”

Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell

You can also uninstall the Microsoft Phone link app using the Windows PowerShell:

Press Win + X and choose “Windows Terminal” or “Command Prompt”.
Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.YourPhone -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage

Benefits of Uninstalling Microsoft Phone Link App

Uninstalling the Microsoft Phone Link App can lead to several benefits, such as:

Freed Resources: Your computer’s resources will be freed up for other tasks.
Privacy Assurance: You can be sure that no data is being shared with the app.
Simplified Experience: Your system will be clutter-free.

After you’ve successfully uninstalled the app, consider exploring alternative apps or methods for connecting your smartphone to Windows 11.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are the troubleshooting methods that you need to apply based on the common issues discussed below:

Issue 1: App Uninstallation Error

If you encounter an error while uninstalling the app, try using the Windows PowerShell method as mentioned earlier.

Issue 2: App Keeps Reinstalling

In some cases, Windows might automatically reinstall the app. You can prevent this by disabling automatic updates in the “Windows Update” settings.

Conclusion…

Disabling or uninstalling the Microsoft Phone Link App in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can enhance your system’s performance and privacy. Whether you choose to disable it temporarily or uninstall it permanently, you now have the knowledge to take control of your Windows 11 experience.