Windows 11 and Android apps: It's the end

Microsoft has announced the end of support for WSA, a tool that allows Android apps to run on Windows 11. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Since its launch, Windows 11 has introduced a particularly interesting feature: the ability to install Android apps directly onto the operating system. This feature, made possible by the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), has opened up new possibilities for Windows users, allowing them to access a wider range of applications. Furthermore, Microsoft has signed a partnership with Amazon to leverage its internal app store.

The Windows Subsystem for Android is an operating environment that allows Android applications to run on Windows, by translating Android API calls into equivalent Windows API calls. This allows Android apps to run seamlessly on Windows, without requiring major changes from app developers.

Abandoning the Windows subsystem for Android

but, Microsoft has announced the end of support for the Windows subsystem for Android. In a document to developers, the company said that the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all WSA-based apps and games will no longer be supported. From March 5, 2025.

Until then, technical support will remain available to customers. Therefore, customers who installed Amazon Appstore or Android apps before March 5, 2024 will continue to access these apps until the discontinuation date. Microsoft also said that users who already have Android apps installed will be able to continue using them after the cutoff date. However, users who want to install new Android apps after March 5, 2025 will not be able to do so.

The reasons behind this decision

Microsoft's decision to remove the Windows subsystem for Android is likely due to lack of usage. Android apps are of little use on Windows, especially with the unattractiveness of Windows tablets. Additionally, the Windows subsystem for Android is always an experimental feature.

Fortunately, there will always be ways to use Android apps on Windows. Many third-party tools allow you to run Android apps on Windows. For example, BlueStacks is one of the most popular Android emulators for Windows. It allows users to run Android apps and games on their Windows PC with full support for mouse, keyboard, and even gamepad. NoxPlayer is another popular Android emulator for Windows just like MEmu. So you have options.