Microsoft is testing a new feature in Windows 11 that lets users pick up right where they left off on their Android apps.
Starting with Spotify, the Windows 11 Android App Resume function promises smoother cross-device use, and experts say it could soon expand to more apps like WhatsApp.
Features of the Windows 11 Android App Resume
Microsoft has rolled out a preview of a new feature called Cross-Device Resume. In simple terms, it lets you resume what you were doing on your Android phone directly on your Windows 11 PC.
Right now, it only works with Spotify, but Microsoft has confirmed that more apps will be added in the future.
Here’s how it works. If you’re listening to music or a podcast on Spotify using your phone, you can stop playback, walk over to your computer, and pick up exactly where you left off.
A Resume alert will appear on your Windows 11 taskbar, prompting you to open Spotify on your PC. Once clicked, the app resumes playback seamlessly.
To use it, you need the Spotify app installed on both devices, logged in under the same account. You’ll also need Microsoft’s Link to Windows app running on your phone with mobile access enabled on your Windows 11 PC.
If Spotify isn’t installed on your computer, Windows even provides a quick install option through the Microsoft Store.
This new function feels very similar to Apple’s Handoff, which lets Mac and iPhone users switch between devices without interruption.
Microsoft may be late to the party, but it is clearly aiming to deliver the same type of cross-device experience for Windows and Android users.
Release Date Rumors and Future Expansion
The Windows 11 Android App Resume is currently available only in preview builds in the Dev and Beta channels.
Microsoft has not confirmed an official release date for the general public. However, based on past testing cycles, it is likely that the feature could arrive as part of a major Windows 11 update in mid-to-late 2025.
Spotify is the first supported app, but Microsoft is expected to expand the feature to others. Early reports suggest WhatsApp could be among the next to integrate, giving users the ability to continue messaging conversations seamlessly between phone and PC.
Given Microsoft’s push to strengthen the Microsoft Store, the feature may also encourage developers with dual-platform apps to join in.
Expert Opinions on Cross-Device Resume
Tech analysts are calling the feature long overdue. Apple users have enjoyed smooth cross-device transitions for years, while Windows users have been left relying on workarounds or third-party tools. The Windows 11 Android App Resume finally gives Microsoft a response to this gap.
Experts also see the move as a way for Microsoft to keep users inside its ecosystem. By tying the Resume feature to the Microsoft Store, the company encourages installations and reinforces Windows as a central hub for work and entertainment.
The strategy mirrors Apple’s ecosystem approach but leans on Android partnerships instead of a closed hardware loop.
That said, some critics note that Microsoft is late in introducing such a basic function. The idea of resuming apps between devices isn’t new, and the delay raises questions about whether Microsoft can keep pace with user expectations in a world where seamless technology is the norm.
Social Buzz and User Reactions
On social media, early testers are sharing mixed reactions. Many users are impressed by how smooth the Spotify integration feels, saying it makes switching between phone and PC more natural. For music and podcast fans, it removes the need to juggle devices or restart apps manually.
Others, however, question why Microsoft is starting so narrowly with just one app. Threads on Reddit and Twitter highlight the frustration of waiting for wider support.
WhatsApp, YouTube, and productivity apps like Microsoft Teams and Slack are frequently mentioned as the real game-changers that people want to see included.
Despite the skepticism, there’s clear excitement about the future potential. The Windows 11 Android App Resume shows Microsoft is serious about creating more unified experiences between mobile and desktop.
If the company can roll out support for popular apps quickly, the feature could become one of the most appreciated updates to Windows 11.
Conclusion: A Small Start with Big Potential
The Windows 11 Android App Resume feature may be starting small with Spotify, but its potential impact is huge. By enabling users to pick up tasks between devices without friction, Microsoft is finally catching up to Apple in the cross-device space.
The real test will be in how quickly Microsoft expands the feature to more apps and whether developers adopt it widely.
For now, the Resume function gives a glimpse of a future where moving between phone and PC feels as natural as switching tabs on a browser.
For Windows users, that’s a future worth waiting for.
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Windows 11 is getting a nifty ability to let you pick up where you left off with apps on your Android phone. https://t.co/oBlJpITCEt
— TechRadar (@techradar) August 25, 2025
Abdul Basit is a US-based tech writer who covers Apple innovations, Tesla’s EV growth, AI breakthroughs, smartphone trends, and app reviews for global readers.