Android Desktop Mode almost made me throw away my laptop, but these annoying issues held me back

As a long-time Samsung DeX user, I have desperately wanted Google to bring native Desktop Mode to Android.

I eagerly anticipated its arrival when testing began last year, hoping it would revolutionize my workflow. It finally shipped in the March 2026 Pixel Drop, and I have been using it rigorously on my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL ever since.

As with my experience with DeX on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE tablet, I put this new mode through its paces to see whether it actually delivers a competent desktop experience.

There is no denying that Google clearly intends to mirror the functionality of a traditional desktop environment, with many similarities to DeX.

But after extensive testing, I feel it’s not on par in terms of usability. There are glaring missing features and major functional flaws that repeatedly render my workflow unproductive.

If Google is serious about making this a genuine solution that I can recommend, it needs to address these roadblocks immediately.

Desktop mode is ready out of the box

But it’s barebone basics

The moment I booted up Desktop Mode for the first time, I felt it was incredibly basic, though entirely in a good way.

I appreciate how the interface is presented cleanly rather than feeling cluttered, which avoids overwhelming new users. However, as I learned the ropes, my initial impression quickly left a sour taste in my mouth.

While I prefer a minimal setup at first, Google has omitted core features that make a desktop interface worthwhile. This specifically boils down to how the foundational environment operates.

I get a static wallpaper identical to the one set on my Pixel 9 Pro XL, or sometimes just a solid color based on your theme, depending on the version I’m on. While visually cohesive, it becomes impractical when you realize you cannot perform basic PC functions.

Unlike Samsung DeX, there is zero support for pinning apps, widgets, or file shortcuts directly to your workspaces.

I constantly find myself digging through the app menu or manually launching the file manager just to access basic documents.

This glaring omission instantly kills productivity, especially if your muscle memory relies on the standard efficiency of Windows or macOS.

The good news is that these foundational tools will likely arrive in the near future as Google gathers user feedback. We are already seeing minor tweaks trickle in, such as saved desktops finally appearing on Pixel phones.

The real question is how long it will take Google to deliver a complete package.

Google needs to copy DeX’s customizable features, including the ability to set separate wallpapers for the phone and monitor. Come on, Google. These are purely basic functions that many of your users are missing.

Massive UI elements waste valuable space

Google falls short when it comes to the overall user interface polish

While certain areas feel fully baked, the quick settings and notifications panels remain noticeably unrefined.

I absolutely hate seeing these massive icons and boxes take up half the width of my external monitor.

There is an incredible amount of wasted digital real estate that desperately needs to be utilized properly.

This lack of unoptimized scaling extends beyond the system menus and directly affects the applications themselves.

Many apps are still wonky, looking like comically inflated versions of their mobile counterparts when forced into a window.

Even worse, there are instances where visual areas are cut off entirely because they fail to scale to the current window size.

If Google wants to make this a decent feature, it must rethink how basic visual elements scale on larger displays.

I want to see a compact, Windows-style system tray instead of these massive pull-down sheets that feel like giant banners.

A major frustration in Desktop Mode

Google needs to do its homework regarding distinct settings

The connection behavior in Desktop Mode is easily one of the most glaring issues that continually frustrates my daily use.

When you connect your phone to an external monitor, you are forced to keep the phone screen turned on at all times. If you lock your device, the entire desktop environment instantly locks as well.

It is a major oversight, and unfortunately, there is no available toggle to switch off this tethered behavior.

This restriction also applies to screen timeouts, with both platforms sharing the same timer when left idle.

These notable friction points rapidly deteriorate what could be a fantastic desktop experience.

Beyond wired connections, though, I also want to see Google add support for casting to smart displays wirelessly.

Seriously, Google. We are in 2026, and Samsung has successfully implemented wireless casting on its devices for years, so there’s no reason for the Pixel to miss this feature.

Adding wireless display support would eliminate the hassle of hunting for an HDMI adapter on the go. Plus, you can conserve your phone’s battery life by keeping the screen off.

Android’s new Desktop Mode works

But Google needs to fix many pain points

Google deserves a gentle pat on the back for finally shipping this long-overdue feature to the Android ecosystem.

The mouse and keyboard support is genuinely fantastic, mostly because they remembered that these accessories are essential for desktop work.

However, using Desktop Mode right now feels exactly like relying on beta software that was rushed out the door. It lacks the vital customizations and true multitasking functionalities that its direct rivals have offered for years.

There is absolutely no reason for Google to leave these glaring flaws unpatched in future updates.

If they stop treating this like a side project and actually iron out the rough edges, it could become an indispensable workhorse.

But until it is fully baked, I strongly suggest keeping your trusty laptop right by your side.

9/10

SoC

Google Tensor G4

RAM

16GB

Storage

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of the Pixel smartphones that features Desktop Mode. It’s on sale at major retailers right now.