Windows Subsystem for Android

Windows Subsystem for Android is an official Windows emulation platform that allows all Windows 11 users to access an incredible variety of Android applications directly on their monitor screens, with full access to networking features, online communities, and even 3D apps such as games of all genres and various 3D visualization apps.

Microsoft is ending support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). As a result, the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all applications and games dependent on WSA will no longer be supported beginning March 5, 2025. Until then, technical support will remain available to customers.

This native solution for rendering Android applications was developed directly by Microsoft in order to enable all of its users to dramatically enhance their daily productivity by expanding their desktop or laptop app access list to an incredible variety of touch-friendly mobile applications.

Main features

While this emulation platform is available for use directly on any version of the Windows 11 operating system, it can also be downloaded and installed manually via a standalone archive.

This is highly effective for users who have managed to somehow damage the file structure or stability of this streamlined Android emulator and want to fix any detected issues by simply overwriting it with a brand-new installation of Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).

By default, Windows Subsystem for Android comes with built-in support only for Amazon's app store, which hosts thousands of popular mobile applications from all categories (Entertainment, Productivity, Education, Utilities, Weather, Business, and games of all types).

While this app store lacks all the popular applications that are found on other Android stores such as Google Play, PC users can thankfully modify the emulator and enable it to become fully integrated with Google's ecosystem of apps and services.

This transforms any modern Windows PC into a fully capable Android device, with thousands of mobile apps being just one click away and accessible through their own standalone app windows. Games can even be resized into the landscape and full-screen rendering modes!

In addition to Amazon and Google Play Store, Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) can also be enhanced to work with a wide variety of other android stores, including those managed by Samsung, Uptodown, and many others.

Is the Windows Subsystem for Android supported in Windows 10?

Yes, you can download the latest pre-built Windows Subsystem for Android for Windows 10, which includes Magisk and Google Play (MindTheGApps), as well as builds for Windows 11, also with Magisk and Google Play.

How to Install Mobile Apps and the Amazon Appstore on Windows

If you want to run mobile apps on your Windows 11 PC, you first need to install the Amazon Appstore. After setting it up, you’ll have access to a curated catalog of mobile apps ready for download and use.

Before You Start

Keep in mind that the Amazon Appstore and its apps are only accessible in specific countries and regions. To check if your location is supported, visit the page listing the Countries and Regions that Support Amazon Appstore on Windows.

Device Requirements

To install and use the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11, make sure your device meets the following criteria:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• RAM: 16 GB (recommended)
• Storage Type: Solid State Drive (SSD) (recommended)
• Processor Architecture: x64 or ARM64
• Virtual Machine Platform: Must be enabled

You can verify that your PC meets these criteria by visiting Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements.

Steps to Install the Amazon Appstore

• Install from Microsoft Store: Open the Microsoft Store and search for the Amazon Appstore. Click Install to begin the download and installation.
• Launch the App: After installation, both the Amazon Appstore and the Windows Subsystem for Android™ Settings app will appear in your Start menu and app list.
• Sign in to Amazon: Open the Amazon Appstore and sign in using your Amazon account credentials.

Note: An Amazon account is required to download and install mobile apps from the Amazon Appstore.

With these steps completed, you’re all set to browse and install mobile apps on your Windows 11 PC.

PROS

• Ability to run Android apps on Windows devices
• Seamless integration with Windows ecosystem
• Improved performance compared to emulators
• Access to Google Play Store and Android apps
• Support for multiple Android versions
• Easy installation and setup process
• Ability to use Android apps alongside Windows apps
• Enhanced productivity and workflow options

CONS

• Microsoft is ending support for this app
• Possible issues with app compatibility
• Potential performance limitations
• Dependence on Windows updates and compatibility

Overall

Windows Subsystem for Android is 100% FREE and can be installed only on Windows 11 PCs. For best compatibility and stability, users are recommended to always keep their Windows 11 desktop or laptop PC fully updated.

It is important to note that the manual download of this emulation archive is quite large and will demand more than 1GB of storage data on local storage just for storing an installation archive.