At last, Microsoft lets Windows 11 share files with Android apps

Microsoft is adding the ability to share files between Windows 11 and its Android subsystem, a much-requested feature that marks the latest step by Redmond to play nice with Android and iOS. The software maker is letting Windows Insiders test out the feature as part of an update (2305.40000.4.0) released this week to the …

[that one in the corner]

> "C:\Users\John Doe" is shared as "/sdcard/Windows

> only the files in a user's Windows profile folder are available to WSA.

So everything under the profile folder is available to Android apps? It isn't possible to set up, say, C:\Users\John Doe\Android and map just *that* to /sdcard/Windows?

Because that would be far more secure against rogue Android apps (and if you *want* Android to see something out of your Documents you can always move/copy it there with Windows Explorer).

> Also, the WSA needs to index shared files before the apps can access them, which can take some time if there are a lot of files.

Why does it seem like this is being done in a clunkier way than just mounting a file share into the Android filesystem? Or has Android been shorn of such extravagant functionality from its Linux parentage? Anyone with understanding of the internals (left to) Android care to chip in on that?

[Anonymous Coward]

The great unwashed masses don't want granular control of such things - it's too much effort for them. They also generally can't be bothered with copying/moving files, let alone trying to maintain some form of version control over the various copies that would be generated.

In short, normal users are crap at that sort of thing.

[PeterM42]

Too Right

In my experience most users don't have a CLUE about filing. then wonder why they can't find anything.

[Zazu56]

...the great unwashed

"In short, normal users are crap at that sort of thing."

I resemble that remark.

I consider myself to be a 'normal' user and pride myself on keeping things in order.

[AMBxx]

Remember early java sandbox?

It's sounds like Java sandbox. In the early days, Java had no rights to the host machine. That made most apps running in Java pretty useless. It was extended. Then security problems. Now I can't remember the last time I saw client side java - for a good reason.

[Jou (Mxyzptlk)]

I'll stay with Total Commander

The android version offers a SMB plugin, allowing me to copy my data directly over (W)LAN to my computer. To any folder I share. Without cloud.

Though my paranoia level was kicking in here: I can copy files to and from the share, but I am blocking replace, delete, rename, changing or even viewing the ACLs.