Ever want to shut down your PC when you’re not nearby? A new update to the Link to Windows app for Android will soon let you remotely control your computer’s shutdown process.
As spotted by Android Authority, the latest beta version of Microsoft’s Link to Windows app has introduced new options to shut down, restart, or put your device to sleep. A previous version of the software let you lock your computer remotely, but the new beta tools give you much more control.
This is part of Android beta version 1.26101.103.0, and it’s expected to be included in the final software at a later date. Microsoft offers a Link to Windows app for iPhone, but there’s currently no evidence of this feature being in development for Apple devices.
If you download the latest Android beta, you’ll find a Power button in the software. Tapping this gives four options: Lock PC, Sleep PC, Shut down, and Restart. Activating these will show a message which says, “You may have unsaved data on your device. Make sure you’ve saved any open work on your PC,” alongside a reminder that you can’t do so remotely.
If you’ve forgotten to save important work, you can put your device to sleep instead. That option includes a note stating that you won’t be able to reactivate your PC remotely and that you’ll need to activate it again in person.
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You can also turn on Windows updates through the app when they’re available for your PC, with options for Update and shut down and Update and restart appearing when new software is pending.
Link to Windows is built to better connect your phone with your computer, letting you easily transfer files or access your device’s other features, such as phone calls and messages. However, the app isn’t anywhere near as in-depth as the latest Googlebook OS software, which seamlessly ties your computer to your Android phone and is available across five new laptops.
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