If you’re using Android, the Resume feature in Windows 11 could prove beneficial.

      Windows 11 includes a feature called Windows 11 Resume, which has largely gone unnoticed. The concept is straightforward: perform a task on your Android phone, and your PC suggests where to continue from.

      This concept resembles the seamless transition between an iPhone and a Mac. However, on Windows, the number of supported apps has been so limited that many users have only seen this feature activate with a few well-known names.

      Microsoft is now indicating that the Resume feature should support more third-party Android apps, provided there is a corresponding app on Windows. If this occurs on a larger scale, Resume could shift from an obscure option to something more prevalent.

      More apps for Resume

      The most significant change is that Microsoft is outlining a broader method for apps to activate Resume. The fundamental requirement remains straightforward: there must be both an Android app and a Windows app for the same service; otherwise, there wouldn’t be a practical way to continue.

      It also appears to be less reliant on a single connection method. In addition to the Link to Windows option, there is now a second alternative that utilizes the Windows Notification System to display a continuation prompt through standard Windows notifications.

      However, this does not imply that every app will suddenly support it. Developers need to integrate this functionality, and access is not automatically granted.

      It still won’t have Apple’s finesse

      Even with increased support, Resume is unlikely to immediately match the refinement of Apple’s feature. Apple manages both hardware and software for its platforms, while Windows relies on developers to opt in.

      Additionally, it is not a complete session transfer. Don’t expect the exact screen you left open on your phone to appear on your PC. Instead, consider it a quick way to return to the same app or service, which is more convenient than sifting through recent apps, tabs, or notifications.

      A selective approach might also be beneficial. If Resume becomes inundated with low-value prompts, users may disable it and forget about it.

      What’s next for you on your PC

      To see if Resume is functioning for you, ensure it’s activated in your app settings, and then watch for any suggestions after you use the same service on your phone. You will only notice it when a compatible Android app coincides with its Windows counterpart.

      The real test will be which apps are the first to embrace this feature. If common applications like messaging, email, documents, and music get on board, Resume could become a minor feature that users miss when absent. If not, it will remain an interesting curiosity that can easily be ignored.