Microsoft helps developers get Android apps onto Windows 11
Android app support could soon arrive for Insiders running Windows 11.
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What you need to know
Update, October 20, 2021 (11:28 AM ET): Microsoft rolled out the first preview ofAndroid app support on Windows 11to Windows Insiders. The original story follows.
Microsoft recently published adocumentthat helps developers bring Android apps toWindows 11. The document focuses on setting up the Windows Subsystem for Android to test and optimize Android apps on Windows 11.
Microsoft explains how to set up a developer environment and how to install the Amazon Appstore. It also includes advice, such as what to look out for when updating an Android app for Windows with respect to window management and resizing.
The guide breaks down how to:
Android support did not launchwith the initial release of Windows 11, but Microsoft stated that the feature would come to Windows Insiders for testing. That could happen soon, as the document refers to Android support for Windows 11 Insider builds in the present tense, “Windows Subsystem for Android is currently only available through preview in the Windows Insiders Program.”
Near the end of the Microsoft doc, it explains that only a small number of Amazon Appstore apps work on Windows 11 at the moment, “In order to be available on a Windows 11 device, an Android app must be published to the Amazon Appstore. Currently, only a small set of apps selected by Microsoft and Amazon are available.” Microsoft has not detailed its plans regarding which apps in the Amazon Appstore will be available on Windows 11 once support fully rolls out.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
