we're good. its up and running. I have a couple things to note:
i got it working. i went into app settings for phone link, and there are 2 repair buttons. one repair button says it resets the app and keeps its settings. pressing that repair button did not work. the second repair button says it resets the app and -removes- user settings. i reluctantly clicked the repair button that removed my user settings (knowing i'd have to turn off Bluetooth on both my PC and Iphone, Forget device on my iphone bleutooth settings, Forget device on my PC Bluetooth settings, then go through the pairing process again with the link to windows app from the apple app store) The second repair button that removed my user data Worked. It Allowed the Phone Link update that was stuck in the windows store to Complete its Update. Furthermore in order to allow the devices to pair with each other using the link to windows app in the iphone store, you have to Go Into Bluetooth Settings In Both Devices And Forget Each Counterpart Device Before Trying To Pair Them Using Phone Link
AND
If your phone is already paired over the Link to Windows app on your phone, AND the Phone Link app on your pc, then why do you have to pair your phone a second time to activate the Dynamic Lock feature offered by windows defender?
i fixed it. you have to set up dynamic lock FIRST,
THEN set up the Phone Link app
