The term Microsoft links typically refers to one of three distinct features: the Link to Windows app for syncing mobile devices to a PC, Microsoft 365 sharing links used in OneDrive or SharePoint, or the way Outlook and Teams handle web links by opening them in Microsoft Edge.
Whether you are trying to connect your phone to your computer, share a secure document with a colleague, or stop your browser from being hijacked by Edge, this guide provides the exact steps to manage every type of Microsoft link effectively in 2026.
What are Microsoft Links?
Because Microsoft offers a vast ecosystem of software and services, the phrase “Microsoft links” is often used interchangeably to describe different digital connections. Understanding which one you are dealing with is the first step to resolving any issues.
- Connectivity Links: These are “device links” that bridge the gap between your hardware (like an Android or iPhone) and your Windows operating system.
- Collaboration Links: These are “URL links” generated within OneDrive, SharePoint, or Excel to give others access to your cloud-hosted files.
- Navigation Links: These refer to “hyperlink handling,” or the internal logic that dictates which browser opens when you click a link inside a Microsoft app.
Link to Windows: Syncing Your Phone and PC
One of the most common reasons users search for “Microsoft links” is to set up the Link to Windows feature. This service allows you to see your phone’s notifications, texts, and photos directly on your PC screen.
What is the Link to Windows App?
There is often confusion between “Phone Link” and “Link to Windows.” To clarify:
- Phone Link is the app that lives on your Windows PC.
- Link to Windows is the app you install on your Android or iOS device.
Together, they create a persistent wireless link between your devices, allowing for a “cross-device” experience where you can even use mobile apps on your desktop.
How to Set Up Link to Windows
Setting up the connection is straightforward but requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network with Bluetooth enabled.
- On your PC: Open the Phone Link app (pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11).
- Select your device: Choose between Android or iPhone. A QR code will appear on your monitor.
- On your Phone: Open the Link to Windows app. Tap “Link your mobile device and PC.”
- Scan and Pair: Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on your PC screen.
- Grant Permissions: Follow the prompts to allow the app to access your contacts, messages, and photos. Without these permissions, the link will be “connected” but won’t display any data.
Top Features You Should Use
Once the link is established, you can access several powerful tools:
- Cross-Device Copy and Paste: Copy text on your phone and paste it directly into a Word doc on your PC.
- Instant Photo Access: Your 2,000 most recent photos are instantly available on your PC without needing to cable in or email files to yourself.
- App Mirroring: On select Samsung, HONOR, and OPPO devices, you can open your mobile apps in separate windows on your PC.
Troubleshooting “Microsoft Links Not Working” on Mobile
If your devices frequently disconnect, check these common culprits:
- Battery Optimization: Android often “kills” the Link to Windows app to save power. Go to your phone’s battery settings and set the app to “Unrestricted.”
- Different Wi-Fi: Ensure your phone isn’t accidentally using 5G mobile data while your PC is on Wi-Fi; they must be on the same local network.
- Bluetooth Range: If you are using the “Calls” feature, your phone must stay within 30 feet of your PC.
Microsoft 365 Sharing Links: OneDrive and SharePoint
In a professional or educational setting, a “Microsoft link” usually refers to a file-sharing URL. Managing these correctly is vital for security and data privacy.
Types of Sharing Links
When you click “Share” on a file in OneDrive, you are presented with several link types:
- Anyone with the link: The least secure option. Anyone who gets the URL can view the file, even if they don’t have a Microsoft account.
- People in Your Organization: Only colleagues with an email address on your company’s domain can open the link.
- Specific People: The most secure. Only the individuals you invite by email can access the file, usually requiring them to sign in to verify their identity.
How to Create and Customize a Sharing Link
Don’t just copy the default link. You can add layers of protection:
- Set an Expiration Date: Ensure the link stops working after a specific project deadline.
- Password Protect: Require a secondary password before the file opens.
- Block Download: This allows people to view the file in their browser but prevents them from saving a local copy.
Managing and Revoking Access
If you suspect a link has been shared with the wrong person, you can kill the link immediately.
- Select the file in OneDrive and click the three dots (…).
- Select Manage Access.
- Under the Links tab, you will see all active sharing links.
- Click the “X” next to a link to delete it. This immediately breaks the link for everyone using it.
Managing How Links Open: The Edge vs. Chrome Conflict
A major pain point for users is when Microsoft Outlook or Teams “forces” web links to open in the Microsoft Edge browser, even if your system default is set to Chrome or Firefox.
Why do Microsoft links open in Edge?
Microsoft introduced a feature called “Link Handling” designed to open emails and browser tabs side-by-side. While helpful for some, most users find it intrusive.
How to change the default browser for Microsoft links
You can revert this behavior in the settings of the specific app you are using.
For Microsoft Outlook:
- Go to File > Options.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- Scroll down to File and browser preferences.
- Change the dropdown “Open hyperlinks from Outlook in:” to Default Browser.
- Click OK.
For Microsoft Teams:
- Click the three dots (…) next to your profile picture.
- Select Settings > Files and links.
- Under Link opening preference, select Default Browser.
Sharing Your Microsoft 365 Family Subscription
If you have a Microsoft 365 Family plan, you use a “subscription link” to invite up to five other people to share your benefits.
The Subscription Invite Link
To generate this link:
- Sign in to account.microsoft.com/services.
- Find your subscription and select Share subscription.
- Choose Create link and copy it to your clipboard.
- Send this link to your family member via text or email.
Important: The invitee must join your “Microsoft Family Group” to accept the link. If they are already part of another family group, they must leave that group first before your link will work.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Microsoft Links
Whether you are optimizing your workflow with Link to Windows, securing your data with OneDrive sharing links, or reclaiming your browser choice from Edge, managing Microsoft links is all about knowing where the settings live.
By default, Microsoft designs these links to keep you within their ecosystem. However, by using the “Manage Access” menus and the “Advanced” options in Outlook, you can customize these connections to fit your specific needs. Remember to regularly audit your “Specific People” sharing links to ensure your private data remains accessible only to those who still need it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is “Link to Windows” safe?
Yes. The connection is encrypted, and you must manually approve permissions on your phone. However, be aware that if you grant “Notification” access, your two-factor authentication (2FA) codes sent via SMS may be visible on your PC screen.
How do I fix a broken Microsoft link?
If a OneDrive link isn’t working, it has likely expired or the owner has changed the permissions. If you are the owner, go to “Manage Access” and generate a “New Link.” If you are the recipient, you must request a new invite from the sender.
Can I use Microsoft links on a Mac?
You can use Microsoft 365 sharing links and manage your account on a Mac. However, the Link to Windows (Phone Link) feature is exclusive to Windows PCs and cannot be used to sync a phone to a macOS device.