For years, iMessage has been confined to the iOS environment, whereas Windows users cannot be a member of its members. One of the latest Microsoft implementations is the ability to send messages through a Windows PC using the Phone Link app. Here is a beginner’s guide to follow;
Step-by-Step Guide: Using iMessage on Windows PC
Step 1: Install the Phone Link App
- Go to the Microsoft Store online and download the Phone Link for a Windows PC.
- Launch the application through the stores or the website by clicking the download link and start configuring it.
Step 2: Pair Your iPhone with Your PC
- Connect your iPhone and the PC to Bluetooth if they are not already connected.
- In the Phone Link app, choose iPhone as your device and follow the pairing process in the application.
- Allow permission to do all activities, including sync contacts and messages.
Step 3: Access iMessage
- Once paired, your new messages appear in the Phone Link app you installed.
- I’m using this product right now, and what I like most is that you can only send and receive messages straight from the PC without grabbing your iPhone.
Restrictions on the use of iMessage on Windows PC
While using iMessage on Windows is convenient, there are a few restrictions:
1. No Message History
- You can only see messages sent or received after the two devices have been paired. It doesn’t retain the prior chat history.
2. No Multimedia Attachments
- You cannot forward images, videos, or other files through the iMessage.
3. No Group Chats
- Group iMessage conversations are unavailable.
4. No Bubble Color Distinction
- All the bubbles are grey, so you cannot distinguish between iMessage (in blue) and SMS (in green).
5. Bluetooth Dependency
As a result, your iPhone has to be paired with your PC through Bluetooth to support iMessage.
Conclusion
While it may not offer a perfect experience for actually using iMessage from Windows, it is a serviceable enough solution for responding to texts through the Phone Link app. This is a giant leap for iPhone users in a Windows environment.
