Microsoft's Phone Link will replace Samsung's DeX app for Windows

Samsung’s upcoming One UI 7 update is set to phase out support for the DeX app on Windows, marking a significant shift in how users interact with Samsung devices on their PCs. According to a note on Samsung’s UK website, first highlighted by Android Authority, the DeX PC app will no longer be supported starting with the One UI 7 release. Samsung is encouraging users to transition to Link to Windows, a feature integrated with Microsoft’s Phone Link app, which offers similar functionality.

The DeX app for Windows, distinct from the broader DeX platform that transforms a Samsung phone into a desktop-like experience, allows users to mirror their smartphone’s screen on a PC and easily transfer files between the two devices. Its functionality closely resembles that of Microsoft’s Phone Link, a collaboration that Samsung and Microsoft have refined over recent years. 

The decision to retire the DeX app in favor of Phone Link appears to be part of Samsung’s ongoing partnership with Microsoft, aligning their software ecosystems more closely. This change will roll out with the release of One UI 7, which is expected to enter beta testing later this month. Notably, a video published on Samsung’s Spanish website last week offered a glimpse of One UI 7, showcasing smoother animations. 

As Samsung pivots away from DeX on Windows, the focus shifts to strengthening its collaboration with Microsoft through Link to Windows, promising users a streamlined way to connect their smartphones with PCs.