Anybody have an Android phone and Windows 8.1 computer?

I have both an Android phone and use Windows 8.1 with no issues. I, however, stopped using direct cable connection in favor of an application from Wondershare called MobileGo. It allows for much easier management of my Android phone; optimization, memory control, file manipulation, backups and file transfers via cable or in my preferred mode of WiFi... No cables, no waiting on Windows, just invoke the app and go.

on my 8.1 systems, both of them, the 'Droid installs as an external HD.. Works like an External HD... No problems.. I move files back and forth all the time..Just moved 5 files yesterday.

What 'droid do you have.. Mine was a Samsung S-iii and now is an S-5 (other issues).

My Verizon android (both the last one and the current one) downloaded an update and ever since then, when I plug it into my laptop, it "connects as an installer" and attempts and fails to load a driver of some sort.

The solution is to go into settings, and change it from "connect as an installer" to "connect as a media device", then it just pops right up on the laptop.

Unfortunately it don't remember this setting, must be changed very time.

Solution I use is Microsoft onedrive, with "camera roll" enabled.
As I take a picture on my phone, it is available on onedrive almost instantly, and on the laptop shortly after.

Naio wrote:
It WAS seamless, on all previous versions of windows!

Like I said, it's a known bug. Are you folks really running 8.1?

Phone is Avant, Tmobile, updated android version last week.

Google drive autosync... I will try to find that. The only option I saw was to upload one photo at a time (and required a wifi connection).

Yes I am really running 8.1 on a Surface Pro 3 and a Dell 3 in 1 and using a Samsung Galaxy S4 and a S6 with zero issues.

Naio wrote:
It WAS seamless, on all previous versions of windows!

Like I said, it's a known bug. Are you folks really running 8.1?

Phone is Avant, Tmobile, updated android version last week.

Google drive autosync... I will try to find that. The only option I saw was to upload one photo at a time (and required a wifi connection).

Kind of a rude way to phrase a post but yes, 8.1. Good luck!

Naio wrote:
It WAS seamless, on all previous versions of windows!

Like I said, it's a known bug. Are you folks really running 8.1?

Phone is Avant, Tmobile, updated android version last week.

Google drive autosync... I will try to find that. The only option I saw was to upload one photo at a time (and required a wifi connection).

I'm not aware of any "Known Bug". I have Windows 8.1 with Verizon Samsung S5 running Android 5.0. I also have used the Win 8.1 machine to access other devices/versions with only one problem. Win 8.1 is slow to make new folders on my S5 SD Card. I now make folders on the computer desktop then copy/paste. I also enable Developer Options. This makes sure the computer can see the phone as a USB device.

I do not own an Avant. The following directions should work.

Go to the settings menu on your GS5.
Scroll down to the "System section and tap "About Device."
Now scroll down to "Build number."
Tap the "Build number" section seven times. (You'll see a warning that you're about to unlock developer options.)
Now back out to the main settings menu, and you'll see "Developer options" listed.

From Android Central


As to your original problem. It sounds like Google Drive (photos) is set to access over wifi only. Data consumption is important for most people. While the setting can be changed your photos may consume more data than you realize. McDonalds, Starbucks and others provide free wifi.

I normally use Dropbox.


Edit: Tmobile says the Avant shipped with Android KitKat 4.4.2

Naio wrote:
It WAS seamless, on all previous versions of windows!

Like I said, it's a known bug. Are you folks really running 8.1?

Phone is Avant, Tmobile, updated android version last week.

Google drive autosync... I will try to find that. The only option I saw was to upload one photo at a time (and required a wifi connection).

Can you provide a link that points to evidence of this "known bug"? I have used multiple Win 8.x devices (laptop, netbook and 2 different tablets) with my Android phone without issue. Maybe the bug is due to Avant phone or TMobile not being compatible with Win 8.1?

You could try manually downloading the drivers for your phone from here: Samsung Support Website

#1 Rule : never update ANYTHING until you have verified "no problems"
by checking numerous reports online

did it work on the new PC before you updated the phone

i have brand new Win 8.1 HP laptop, and i've No trouble with my Android phone

plug the phone
don't try to do anything with it
then go to control panel
then device manager
go down the list find your phone AKA media device, might be in the USB list
might be under the disc drive list
click on device
and choose update driver
you might have to do a delete driver first
then repeat the update procedure

It WAS seamless, on all previous versions of windows!

Like I said, it's a known bug. Are you folks really running 8.1?

Phone is Avant, Tmobile, updated android version last week.

Google drive autosync... I will try to find that. The only option I saw was to upload one photo at a time (and required a wifi connection).

What phone, what carrier, what version of Android? You should be able to do what kragert said seamlessly.