How can I copy something on my Windows PC and paste it on my Android phone?

Microsoft is testing a shared clipboard between Windows 11 and Android — copy on the PC, paste on the phone — but so far it has only appeared in a test (Dev) build. Here is how it will work, how to check whether your PC already has it, and what to use in the meantime.

An address is sitting on your laptop screen and you need it in your phone’s maps app — so you start retyping it letter by letter and hope you read it right. Short answer: Microsoft is testing a shared clipboard between Windows 11 and Android — copy on the PC, paste on the phone — but it has only been spotted in a test (Dev) build so far, so most people will not see it yet. When it arrives, it removes the email-it-to-yourself shuffle for verification codes, links, and short notes, as long as both devices are signed in to the same Microsoft account.

Here is how to check whether your PC has it, and what to use until it lands.1. Sign in to the same Microsoft account on both devices. The shared clipboard only works when your PC and your phone both know they belong to you.2.

Look for the clipboard setting on Windows. Open Settings and check the clipboard options for a choice about accessing your PC clipboard from your phone — if it is there, turn it on.3. Give it a quick test.

Copy a short piece of text on the PC, then try pasting it into an app on your Android phone.4. No option? Your build does not have it yet.

Until the finished version rolls out, use Phone Link or a notes app that lives on both devices as the bridge.Pro tip: Never copy passwords or bank codes to a shared clipboard. Paste what you need, use it, then copy something harmless to clear the sensitive text away.Ad’s take: This is the kind of small feature that saves you five little frustrations a day. I will wait for the finished version rather than chase a test build — but I am glad it is coming.