How to send and receive messages with iMessage from Windows

When venturing into the Apple ecosystem, one of the challenges arises when trying to navigate outside of it. While everything operates seamlessly within the ecosystem, venturing beyond its boundaries can bring about a myriad of issues. Apple, the tech giant, discourages the use of its programs and services outside of its ecosystem, imposing numerous obstacles to dissuade users from leaving. Fortunately, rival companies are striving to facilitate the utilization of their services on different platforms. Microsoft, for instance, has recently achieved a breakthrough by enabling users to send and receive iMessages on Windows 11.

iMessage windows

iMessage serves as Apple’s alternative to WhatsApp and, interestingly, predates WhatsApp itself. However, iMessage’s limited success can be attributed to its restriction of messaging solely between iPhones, thereby excluding Android, the dominant mobile operating system, from its scope. By utilizing this program, users can send text and multimedia messages, free of charge, to anyone with another iPhone and their number linked to iMessage. Nevertheless, this functionality remains exclusive to recipients with iPhones, iPads, or, at best, Mac computers.

For an enhanced user experience, especially when working or socializing in front of a computer, having all essential features readily accessible on Windows eliminates the need for constantly switching between mobile and PC. Microsoft offers a tool called “Mobile Link” or “Phone Link” that allows users to connect their mobile devices to their computers, enabling direct control from the Windows platform. Android users can access nearly all mobile functions seamlessly, making control hassle-free. However, complications arise when dealing with iOS due to its highly closed ecosystem, as mentioned earlier.

Mobile Link app on Windows

Luckily, Microsoft has found a way out of it.

iMessage comes to Windows

Starting from the end of April 2023, iPhone users can establish a connection between their device and their computer using the Mobile Link app. Initially, the functionality was limited as Microsoft had not yet implemented all the features required to seamlessly operate an iPhone from a PC without physically handling the device.

However, Microsoft recently made an exciting announcement: all the intended functions to establish a connection between an iPhone and Windows are now fully implemented and available to all users. This means that starting today, iPhone users can utilize the Mobile Link app to send and receive iMessage messages directly from their computer.

Mobile Link Android iOS

It is important to acknowledge that the functionality of iMessage on Windows is not equivalent to what is available on a Mac. Unlike the native and independent iMessage app on Mac, the Windows version is reliant on the iPhone being powered on, connected to Windows, and functioning properly. Additionally, certain features are limited, such as the absence of chat history and the inability to view message groups. It’s worth noting that these limitations are imposed by Apple and will not be addressed on Windows.

In addition to iMessage, there are other restrictions when connecting an iPhone to Windows 11. For instance, photos will not automatically sync with the PC (you’ll need to use iCloud for that), and iOS apps cannot be utilized on the computer.