Samsung is discontinuing its DeX app for Windows PCs

Back in 2017, Samsung released the first showing of DeX (short for “desktop experience”) that allowed high-end Samsung Galaxy phones to plug into a special dock and be used like a desktop PC. In 2019, the dock was eliminated, and in 2020, wireless DeX came out — on Windows, Samsung DeX could be accessed via the DeX app.

But starting with One UI 7, the DeX app for Windows will no longer work; at that point, users are encouraged to switch over to Microsoft’s Phone Link app. One UI 7 is rumored to enter beta testing in mid-December and will likely start rolling out in the US early in 2025.

Spotted by Windows Central, the UK page for Samsung DeX now has a tiny footnote that says as much:

“The DeX for PC on Windows OS will end support from One UI 7 version. We encourage customers to connect mobile phone and PC through the Link to Windows feature.”

However, the US page for Samsung DeX has no such footnote. Whether that means the page simply hasn’t been updated yet or that the discontinuation will only affect UK users, we don’t know for sure.

To be clear, Samsung DeX as a feature will still be around. The only change would be that it won’t be accessible via Windows PC anymore. Instead, you’ll find similar functionality via Microsoft’s Phone Link app.

Among other things, the Phone Link app makes it possible to sync your phone’s notifications and text messages to your Windows PC, as well as run individual mobile apps directly on the Windows 11 desktop.