A Closer Look at Copy and Paste Between Windows 10 and Android

Microsoft has recently added support for a new feature in Windows 10 preview builds, allowing users to copy and paste between a desktop computer and an Android device much easier.

The feature is part of Windows 10 build 19582, which is the most recent release for users participating in the Windows Insider program and is a preview of the upcoming Windows 10 version 2004 due in the spring.

The whole thing is powered by Your Phone, a Windows 10 app that allows users to pair select Android phones with Windows 10 for features like access to photos, calls, notifications, messages, and even phone screen mirroring.

This latest build brings support for the newest Samsung smartphones in the Your Phone app. Microsoft explains:

“Continuing our strong partnership with Samsung from last August, we’re excited to introduce exciting new features, which are now available on the latest Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip devices in select markets. You can enjoy copying and pasting text and images between your devices, black screen while in phone screen, Rich Communication Service messaging, and more!”

But the star of the show is definitely the support for copy and baste between devices. In other words, you can copy something on one device, like a desktop computer, and then paste it on another, such as an Android phone. This is all powered by the same Your Phone app and works as long as the devices are paired through the app.

The typical copy and paste commands are used, such as CTRL + C and CTRL + V on a desktop computer and the long-press gesture on mobile devices. So everything’s pretty straightforward from one end to another, again, as long as the Your Phone app is up and running on Windows 10 and the companion app is installed on Android.

“You can now copy and paste text and images between your phone and Windows 10 PC seamlessly. Simply turn on this feature in the Your Phone app settings and enjoy copying and pasting content with the familiar ctrl + C and ctrl + v commands on the PC or the tapping and holding gesture on your Android phone. It’s that simple,” Microsoft explains.

However, not everyone can use this feature, as it comes with a series of requirements that you may not be pleased with.

First and foremost, only the latest generation Samsung models are supported for copying and pasting content between devices. This means you need to own a Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip to use this feature, so unless you upgrade the smartphone, there’s no other option to enable it.

The feature is only available in select markets, such as the United States, so you can’t use it everywhere across the world. And last but not least, your desktop computer must run Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) or newer to get such capabilities – if you’re already on Windows 10 version 2004, you should be just fine.

Microsoft hasn’t disclosed whether it plans to bring these features to other…