Windows Mobile

Frequently asked questions about the new version of Windows Mobile

Today, Windows Mobile 6.5 is the most up-to-date version of Windows Mobile. It runs exclusively on Windows phones.

Did Microsoft release a new version of Windows Mobile?

Yes. Microsoft released a new version of Windows Mobile software, Windows Mobile 6.5, which is now available from mobile operators. Windows phones are the new phones that include the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. See your mobile operator’s web site for dates and details on when they will make Windows phones available. Or sign up to receive "Your Mobile World," a monthly newsletter that will keep you current.

What’s new in Windows Mobile 6.5?

Windows phones with Windows Mobile 6.5 are designed to keep pace with your life and all the things you do every day with your phone: e-mail, instant messaging, SMS, voice mail, calendar, contacts, and more. New and improved features include the following:

  • A new Today screen highlights e-mail, SMS/MMS, missed calls, voice mail, Windows Live services, and even music and photos.
  • Improved touch is fast, and gestures now work in most e-mail, contacts, and calendar.
  • Handy new widgets display the latest news, stocks, weather, and favorite web services at a glance on the Today screen.
  • Improved Internet Explorer Mobile is now more touch-friendly with desktop-quality display.
  • New services give you more of what you want on your phone. Free Windows Live services deliver push e-mail for Windows Live Hotmail accounts. Microsoft My Phone offers protection by backing up and syncing phone information on the web.

    For more information, compare Windows Mobile 6.5 to Windows Mobile 6.1.

Can I upgrade my Windows Mobile 6.1 phone to Windows Mobile 6.5?

In some cases, yes. Some older phones, however, may have hardware limitations or other reasons that prevent an upgrade. For more information, see updating Windows Mobile phones to Windows Mobile 6.5.

If I buy a new phone, how can I be sure it will be a Windows phone?

A phone can be called a Windows phone only if it comes equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5. However, some Windows Mobile 6.1 phones are still available. If you’re in the market for a new phone, make sure to ask if it’s a Windows phone. Contact your mobile operator to find out whether a Windows Mobile 6.1 phone can be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5.

For more information about Windows phones equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5, see our list of the latest phones.

What is Microsoft My Phone?

Microsoft My Phone is a service that lets you access, manage, and back up information on your phone—contacts, calendar appointments, text messages, photos, and more—to a password-protected web-based service. That way, you can easily back up and restore your phone’s content and upgrade to new phones without the worry of losing important information.

The My Phone service is currently available for people with phones running Windows Mobile 6, Windows Mobile 6.1, and Windows Mobile 6.5. Microsoft does not charge a fee for the My Phone service at this time. But the data plan you have with your mobile operator may require you to pay data-transfer charges when you use the service. If you are unsure of your plan coverage, please contact your mobile operator.
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