The seamless integration provided by the Phone Link app between Windows and mobile devices allows users to quickly access important messages, transfer and browse files, and view certain activities without having to pick up the phone.
However, these interactions usually lead to a ton of notifications, which can come across as excessive in high-performing environments. To prevent alerts from becoming a distraction, follow this guide for the quickest way to configure “Do not disturb” in the Phone Link app.
Configure “Do not disturb” via the Phone Link app (Recommended)
This method is best for self-service or Remote Desktop Protocol configuration.
📌 Use cases: For personal or remote activation
📌 Prerequisites: Ensure that the mobile device is linked to the Windows app and both devices are connected via Wi-Fi.
- Open the Phone Link app.
- Tap the Do not disturb button at the top of the left pane to manage your preferences.
- This change will apply immediately to the linked device.
Enabling Do not disturb (DND) will mute all notifications on the mobile device synced with the Phone Link app on your PC.
⚠️ Things to look out for when configuring “Do not Disturb” in Phone Link
Missing something? Consider these scenarios and tips for handling errors, preventing system issues, and reinforcing policies.
Risks | Potential Consequences | Reversals |
| Privacy concerns (notifications, messages, calls) | Sensitive data from messages, calls, or notifications may be visible on a shared or work PC. | Use the “Do not sync notifications” setting or link to a personal device only. Lock the PC screen when away. |
| Battery drain on the phone | Continuous syncing and Bluetooth connection generally deplete the phone battery faster. | Enable the battery saver or disconnect Phone Link when not in use. |
| Connectivity issues (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | Phone fails to connect to PC; dropped calls or messages not syncing. | Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi; restart Bluetooth or the app if needed. |
| Security risk from unattended PC access | If the PC is unlocked, another user could read or send messages, access photos, and the like. | Use a strong password, auto-lock screen, and disconnect Phone Link after use. |
If you wish to completely sever the connection between devices, open Phone Link on your PC and navigate to Settings → My Devices → Remove your device. Alternatively, on your mobile device, open Link to Windows → Settings → Unlink PC.
You may also remove the device from Bluetooth settings on both the PC and the phone to reset the connection.
Managing Phone Link notifications for a better user experience
The Phone Link offers a convenient way to consolidate some of our most common digital and personal activities. However, we shouldn’t be quick to overlook how it can also impact privacy and productivity.
In general, we want to reserve alerts for essential activities and interactions. So, users from all tech backgrounds may want to exercise control over notifications to streamline the user experience or shared policies.
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