Microsoft Prepares Clipboard Synchronization Between Windows And Android With Gboard Support

Illustration of G-Board (photo: x @MishaalRahman()

JAKARTA - Microsoft appears to be developing aSHIP synchronization feature between Windows 11 and Android devices through the Phone Link system, which also supports the Gboard. Clipboard synchronization has been available through various tools for Windows and Android over the years, but lately there hasn't been a really reliable option as changes in the way Android handles billboards. Now, Microsoft is working on its own solution.

According to a report from Windows Latest, the option to enable the PC 'Clipboard Access' feature has appeared in the Phone Link app. This feature allows Windows clipboards to be shared with Android devices. This option is only available in the early development version (Dev builds), but appears to be functioning well.

After activating the options on Phone Link and additional settings in Windows's cropboard system, the items copied on the clipboard immediately appear on Android devices. Interestingly, this synchronization is not limited to SwiftKey's Microsoft keyboard, but rather works with the system's cropboard, so it is compatible with Gboards and other keyboards such as Samsung Keyboard. Ironically, the report states that SwiftKey is actually experiencing more problems than other keyboards.

However, there are quite clear shortcomings. Although this feature is close to built-in integration, synchronization only works in one direction. Content copied in Windows can be affixed on Android, but not the other way around, at least based on this preliminary preview. Even so, this feature remains useful for synchronizing passwords, links, or other content that needs to be transferred from computer to phone.