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How do I fix the file syncing with Android and Windows 11 File Explorer? It worked great at rollout but now its inconsistent.

Anonymous
2025-03-15T01:21:08+00:00

When this feature first rolled out, I had no issues. Now, I can never get the files to sync and when I try to reconnect on the address bar, it just keeps saying syncing. Even when I can transfer files, they may go onto the phone but they still do not show up in Files Explorer. The files that show up on Files Explorer do not match what is on my phone even files I put on my phone using Files Explorer.

I have tried removing the phone in Settings but it just says failed as I was going to re-add it.

I do use Phone Link and it works without an issue. My phone is always connected and it never fails.

How do I get the files to sync up and match and make sure it stays connected. I will try to transfer an audiobook and it will load half of it and it just comes unconnected.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-10T16:51:09+00:00

    Hello all4freedom,

    Thank you for reaching out regarding the file syncing issues between Android and Windows 11 File Explorer. We understand how frustrating it can be when syncing becomes inconsistent, especially when it worked well at rollout.

    Troubleshooting Steps:

    1. Restart Both Devices
      • Restart your Windows 11 PC and Android phone to refresh connections.
    2. Check File Explorer Indexing
      • Open File Explorer and go to Settings > Search & Indexing
      • Ensure that indexing is enabled for the folders where synced files should appear.
    3. Manually Refresh File Explorer
      • Press F5 to refresh File Explorer after transferring files.
      • Try closing and reopening File Explorer to force an update.
    4. Reset the Phone Link Connection
      • Remove your phone from Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Your Phone
      • Restart your PC and re-add your phone.
    5. Check USB File Transfer Mode (If Using USB)
      • On your Android phone, go to USB Preferences and select File Transfer (MTP) instead of Charging Only.
    6. Try a Different File Transfer Method
      • If syncing via File Explorer is unreliable, try OneDrive, Google Drive, or Nearby Share for file transfers.
    7. Check for Windows Updates
      • Go to Settings > Windows Update and check if any updates address syncing issues.
    8. Use the Microsoft Feedback Hub
      • If this issue persists, report it via Windows Feedback Hub (Win + F) to notify Microsoft.

    Since you've already tried removing and re-adding your phone, but it failed, it might be worth checking Event Viewer (Win + X > Event Viewer) for any error logs related to file syncing.

    Let us know if any of these steps help! If the issue continues, we can help troubleshoot further.

    Best regards,

    David_johny ||Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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