Windows 11 is set to receive a new feature called Cross Device Resume, allowing users to continue using Android apps on their PC from exactly where they left off on their phone. This is a significant step in Microsoft‘s efforts to create a seamless experience across devices, similar to how Apple has implemented the Handoff feature within its ecosystem.
This information was revealed during the Microsoft Build 2025 event, where Aakash Varshney – Senior Product Manager for Multi-Device Experience – introduced the details of this new feature. Although Microsoft briefly announced and then removed the demonstration of this feature, many third-party developers are currently in the process of testing it.
How Cross Device Resume works on Windows 11
When using supported Android apps, a special icon will appear next to the app icon on the Windows 11 taskbar. Users simply need to click this icon to continue their activity from the mobile version of the app on their PC.
An X user named “phantomofearth” shared a screenshot from a previous version of the Build livestream, showing the Spotify app on a computer continuing to play a song that had been paused on the Android app. According to Phantom, Microsoft is expected to begin rolling out Cross Device Resume via OneDrive later this month, before integrating it into the taskbar. Spotify and WhatsApp are rumored to be among the first supported applications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3ixnHI3z1k
This feature reflects Apple’s Handoff functionality, which allows users to seamlessly continue songs, documents, web browsing sessions, and other activities across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Notably, Cross Device Resume is not the first multi-device feature that Microsoft has attempted to replicate from Apple.
Benefits and potential of Cross Device Resume for Windows 11 users
The Cross Device Resume feature brings many practical benefits to Windows 11 and Android device users. First and foremost, it helps increase productivity and entertainment through the ability to quickly switch between a phone and a computer without interruption. Users can start listening to a song on an Android phone and continue on Windows 11 when sitting at their desk, or switch from a WhatsApp conversation on their phone to their PC to continue using a full keyboard.
This is also a major step in Microsoft’s competitive strategy against Apple. In January of this year, Microsoft upgraded the Phone Link app to improve connectivity between Windows 11, Android phones, and iPhones. By syncing devices via Bluetooth, users can transfer files, handle calls, and send text messages from their PC.
While still far from the level of integration provided by Apple’s Continuity—which allows a Mac to remotely access almost anything on a nearby iPhone—Microsoft is working hard to bridge this gap. Apple’s tight vertical integration across its devices remains a major competitive advantage in these types of scenarios.
The Build presentation also mentioned Microsoft’s plans to streamline file sharing and linking between apps and devices. In the near future, users will be able to share content with contacts across multiple platforms with just a few clicks. Microsoft will continue to hold additional Build sessions targeting developers through May 22nd.
Summary: Windows 11 with the Cross Device Resume feature is bringing Microsoft closer to creating a seamless ecosystem between PCs and Android devices. Although there are still some limitations regarding the official release timeline and the scope of app support, this feature promises to significantly improve the user experience when working across multiple devices. With initial support from popular apps like Spotify and WhatsApp, Cross Device Resume has the potential to become one of the most attractive features of Windows 11 in 2025, while demonstrating Microsoft’s determination to compete with Apple’s closed ecosystem.
