How to Install Android Apps on Windows 11

Trying to create cross-OS harmony

Thanks to a partnership between Microsoft, Amazon, and Intel, Windows 11 can now run Android mobile apps without third-party emulators. Your PC must also meet a couple of other requirements to run Android apps natively.

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about installing and running Android apps in Windows 11.

What Is the Windows Subsystem for Android?

The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is a newly introduced component in Windows 11. The subsystem is based on the Linux kernel and the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). These components allow Windows 11 users to run Android apps through the Amazon Appstore.

Think of the Windows Subsystem for Android asan Android emulatoror virtual Android phone on your computer. It provides everything required for Android apps to work smoothly in Windows 11.

Requirements to Install Android Apps in Windows 11

Your computer must meet several hardware and software requirements to run the Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore.

First, your computer must be able to run Windows 11. It must meet all Windows 11 storage, memory, CPU, graphics card, and system firmware requirements. Check out ourguide to determining whether your PC can run Windows 11for more about these requirements.

Microsoft distributes the Windows Subsystem for Android through the Microsoft Store and Amazon Appstore. Your Windows 11 PC must be running the Microsoft Store version 22110.1402.6.0 (or higher) to install the Amazon Appstore.

Here’s how to check your PC’s Microsoft Store version:

Proceed to the next step to update Microsoft Store if it’s older than the version required to install Android apps.

Restart your computer afterward to update Microsoft Store to the latest version.

The Amazon Appstore is currently available for US customers only, so your PC’s region must be set to the United States. Likewise, you need a U.S.-based Amazon account to use the app store.

If you’re outside the U.S., you can change your PC and Amazon account location—we’ll show you how.

Go toSettings>Time & language>Language & region, scroll to the “Region” section, and setUnited Statesas your region.

Visit theContent and Device management sectionof your Amazon account settings and head to thePreferencestab. Expand theCountry/Region Settings, select theChangebutton, and chooseUnited Statesas your country.

Virtualization is a technology in Windows that allows you to run a different operating system in Windows. Computers running Windows 10 or Windows 11 pre-installed have virtualization enabled by default at the UEFI or BIOS level.

If your computer didn’t come pre-installed with Windows 10 or 11, refer to thistutorial on enabling virtualization in Windows. This tutorial had detailed instructions forenabling hardware virtualizationon computers with Intel or AMD processors.

Install Android Apps from the Amazon Appstore

Android apps that can run natively in Windows based on the virtualization engine are available in the Amazon Appstore. Here’s how to download and set up the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store.

Alternatively, open thisAmazon Appstore linkin your web browser and selectGet in Storeapp. That’ll redirect you to the Amazon Appstore link in Microsoft Store.

The Amazon Appstore should automatically install the Windows Subsystem for Android. You’ll see a pop-up or prompt to download/install the Windows Subsystem for Android if it doesn’t.

You can also open the app from the Start Menu or Windows Settings. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, selectAll apps, and select the app.

Windows opens Android apps installed through the App Store in portrait orientation, similar to a smartphone screen. You don’t get the typical Android 3-button navigation (home, back/return, and app switcher) at the bottom of Android apps. However, you’ll find the minimize, maximize, and close buttons on an app’s title bar—just like every Windows app.

Again, Windows handles Android apps like regular Windows-based programs. You can pin them to the Start menu and Taskbar. Likewise, Android apps receive input from your mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, keyboard, and stylus pen.

Notifications from Android apps are accessible in the Windows Notification Center (Windows key+N). You can switch between apps in the Windows Task Switcher (Alt+Tab). Android apps can also access the content on your PC’s clipboard.

Manage the Windows Subsystem for Android

Windows lets you customize how the Windows Subsystem for Android functions and utilizes system resources on your computer.

Typewindows for androidin the Windows Search bar and open theWindows Subsystem for Android Settingsapp.

SelectFilesto open the file management portal for Android apps. That’ll open the Android file management interface where you can manage multimedia files and documents downloaded by Android apps.

In the “Subsystem resources” section, selectAs neededif you want the Windows Subsystem running only when using Android apps. That’ll help save your PC’s battery life, but apps may boot slowly.

If you choose to leave the Subsystem running continuously, turn it off if you aren’t running any Android app. Scroll to the bottom of the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app and selectTurn off Windows Subsystem for Android.

How to Uninstall Android Apps in Windows

You can remove Android apps from the Start menu, Settings app, and Control Panel. Third-party uninstaller programs can also uninstall Android apps from your computer. Refer to our comprehensivetutorial on uninstalling Windows 11 appsfor detailed instructions.

Troubleshooting the Android/Amazon Appstore

If you’re having issues installing Android apps from the Amazon Appstore, update your computer’s operating system and try again.

Go toSettings>Windows Updateand selectCheck for Updatesto install the latest Windows update on your PC. SelectRestart nowto install previously downloaded Windows Updates.

Microsoft also recommendsturning off any adblocker, especially if you can’t sign in to the Amazon Appstore.

Enjoy the Windows-Android Harmony

There’s a limited number of Android applications available in the Amazon Appstore. You can sideload Android apps from third-party sources, but the process is somewhat complex. Microsoft says it’s working with Amazon to improve the Android experience in Windows 11. So, expect more Android apps to be available in the Amazon Appstore in the future.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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