Key Points
- Control new photo alerts by adjusting Phone Link, Windows Notifications, or Android permissions to turn photo notifications on or off and manage cross-device syncing.
- Modify photo permissions and Media settings to limit or allow photo access, prevent unwanted alerts, and enhance privacy and workflow.
- Resolve missing, unwanted, or delayed photo alerts by verifying Phone Link permissions, reconnecting the device, checking Wi-Fi connectivity, or restarting the app.
Windows 11 has a feature that notifies users when new photos are added to mobile devices, improving workflow for those who frequently move images between devices. However, some users prefer to turn off these notifications to reduce distractions or prevent unnecessary cross-device syncing. This guide will walk you through how to turn new photo notifications on or off in Windows 11.
Enabling or disabling new photo notifications in Windows 11
To turn new photo notifications on or off in Windows 11, you can use Phone Link, adjust the Windows notification settings, manage permissions on your mobile device, and modify cross-device sync preferences.
📌 Prerequisites:
- Windows 11 with Phone Link installed
- Supported Android device with Link to Windows enabled
- Bluetooth or Wi Fi connection between the mobile device and the PC
- Notification permissions granted to Phone Link
- Administrative access if device policies apply
Method 1: Enable or disable photo notifications in Phone Link
This method modifies photo notifications directly within the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 computer.
📌 Use Case: Use this method if you like using Phone Link and want to quickly turn photo alerts on or off without changing any other Windows notifications.
- Press Win, type Phone Link, then press Enter.
- Click Settings.
- Look for and click Features or Notifications.
- Look for and click anything related to photos or camera roll.
- Turn photo notifications on or off, depending on your preference.
Method 2: Control photo alerts from Windows notification settings
This method controls Phone Link notifications from Windows 11’s main Settings, not from inside the Phone Link app.
📌 Use Case: Use this method if you want to stop Phone Link notifications without needing to touch the app itself.
- Press Win, type Settings, then press Enter.
- Navigate:
- System > Notifications > Phone Link.
- Toggle the switch next to ‘Phone Link’ to enable or disable notifications, as desired.
Method 3: Manage permissions on the mobile device
This method changes the permissions on your Android phone, controlling what Phone Link is allowed to access.
📌 Use Case: Use this method if you want to prevent your photos from being synced or viewed by Phone Link at all.
- Go to your phone’s Settings app.
- Find and tap “Connected devices” or “Link to Windows.”
- Review the permission categories and locate the section that allows you to control what the app can access.
- Disable Photos or Camera roll access by looking for:
- Photos
- Media
- Files and media
- Tap Photos/Media permission.
- Choose Deny or toggle it off so that the Link to Windows / Phone Link cannot access your photos.
Method 4: Adjust cross-device sync preferences
This method changes the sync preferences inside the Phone Link app on your PC.
📌 Use Case: Use this if you still want to use Phone Link for things like texting or app alerts, but do not want photos to sync.
- Press Win, type Phone Link, then press Enter.
- Click Settings.
- Look for and click Features or Cross-device settings.
- Toggle the switches of the following, depending on which data you want to be notified:
- Photo sync
- Messaging
- App notifications
Troubleshooting common photo notification issues in Windows 11
The following are common new photo notification issues and how to resolve them:
- No notifications: Ensure Phone Link permissions are enabled on your mobile device.
- Notifications appear even when disabled: Restart Phone Link or reconnect the mobile device.
- Phone doesn’t sync photos: Check Wi-Fi connection
- Windows shows delayed photo alerts: Reopen the app.
Manage alerts by enabling or disabling photo notifications in Windows 11
Windows 11 provides tools to help you manage new photo notifications from your mobile device. Whether you want to streamline productivity by automatically syncing images or reduce alerts by turning off photo notifications, Phone Link and Windows notification settings make configuration easy.
Related topics:
- How to Enable or Disable Notification Center in Windows 11
- How to Enable or Disable “Do Not Disturb” on a Mobile Device from Phone Link in Windows 11
- How to Change Notifications Priority in Windows 11
- How to Enable or Disable Phone Link Suggestions in Windows 11
- How to Add or Remove the Notification Bell Icon on the Windows 11 Taskbar
