Seamless Workflow: Using Windows 11's Handoff Feature with OneDrive

Microsoft
1

Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 11 Build 27788 in the Canary Channel, highlighting the introduction of Windows MIDI Services and a new feature that mirrors Apple’s Handoff, designed to enhance your workflow by enabling you to seamlessly continue working on OneDrive-synced files across devices.

This OneDrive-based “Resume” feature, which allows you to start a task on one device and pick it up on another, isn’t entirely new. It was initially previewed in Windows 11 Build 22635.4515 for the Beta Channel in November 2024.

The feature is now expanding to all Windows Insiders. Availability may vary initially as the rollout progresses.

The core idea behind this feature is simple: if you’re working on a supported file on your phone and then unlock your PC, you’ll receive a notification prompting you to continue working on the same file on your PC.

Using the “Pick up where you left off” Feature

Method 1: Ensuring Browser Login

This method provides the smoothest transition, so it is mentioned first.

Step 1: Ensure you are already logged into your Microsoft account in your default web browser.

This avoids interruptions when clicking the “Pick up where you left off” notification.

Step 2: Work on a supported file (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, or PDF) on your phone via OneDrive.

Step 3: Lock your PC.

Step 4: Unlock your PC within five minutes of accessing the file on your phone.

A notification should appear, prompting you to resume working on the file.

Step 5: Click the notification.

The file will open in OneDrive’s web version within your default browser.

Method 2: Basic Usage

Step 1: Work on a supported file (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, or PDF) on your phone via OneDrive.

Step 2: Lock your PC.

Step 3: Unlock your PC within five minutes of accessing the file on your phone.

A notification should appear, prompting you to resume working on the file.

Step 4: Click the notification.

If you’re not already logged in, you’ll be prompted to log into your Microsoft account on OneDrive in your default browser before accessing the file.

Things to Know

  • This feature requires you to be signed in with your Microsoft Personal account. It does not work with work or school accounts. Both your phone and PC must use the same Microsoft account.
  • The “Pick up where you left off” feature functions when your PC is locked and you have opened a supported file on your phone. Ensure you unlock your PC within a five-minute window after accessing the file on your phone.
  • Currently supported file types include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote pages, and PDFs.
  • The CrossDeviceResume process runs in the background to enable this feature.
  • The “Resume” service must be enabled in Settings > Apps, granting OneDrive access. The description reads: “Start something on one device and continue on this PC”.

The OneDrive Resume feature promises to streamline workflows for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.