Microsoft’s Phone Link app, pre‑installed in Windows 11, will allow Android smartphones to remotely shut down or restart Windows 11 computers. The capability is based on code strings identified in the Windows operating system, including labels such as “pc_controls_restart_label” and “pc_controls_shutdown_label.” A sleep feature is also planned, but remote operations will require the user to unlock the Windows device before initiating shutdown or restart.

Phone Link, introduced with Windows 11, already lets users view notifications, make and receive calls, and interact with their phone from a desktop or laptop. The remote control functions are intended to extend this integration, giving users the ability to manage power states of their PC without direct access.

Microsoft has not announced a release date for the update, and no confirmation has been provided regarding its availability. The feature aims to increase convenience while the company continues to address performance concerns related to memory usage in Windows 11.

The implementation timeline remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether the remote shutdown option will be widely adopted given the requirement that the PC be unlocked before the action can be performed.