Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The Windows 11 Android app dream is dead

By Arif Bacchus March 5, 2024

Android App running on a Windows 11 PC — Microsoft

Microsoft first brought over the option to run Android apps natively in Windows 11 in 2021, but the dream is coming to an end after just a few years. Today, the company quietly updated its documentation for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) to indicate that it will be ending support for the feature on March 5, 2025. Amazon has also published updated guidance for the same issue about its Amazon App Store on Windows 11, which powers the WSA.

What’s causing this change is unknown, as Microsoft did not dive into specific details. Left to speculate, we can assume it’s due to either lack of use or licensing issues, but until we hear more, it’s left ambiguous.

At any rate, Microsoft says that the Amazon App Store and all games and applications that use the WSA will no longer be supported starting March 5, 2025, exactly a year from today. Until then, Microsoft will continue to provide technical support on the issue, but after that, you’ll no longer find the Amazon App Store in the Microsoft Store.

If you’ve installed any apps from the Amazon App Store before March 5, 2024, you’ll still be able to access the apps before March 5, 2025, though some apps might not work right. According to Amazon, developers won’t need to take action during the wind-down period, though new app submissions will not be supported soon. And, even though the Amazon App Store on Windows 11 will no longer be supported, it’ll still be available on other devices, like Amazon’s own Fire devices and Android tablets.

A screenshot of Android apps running in Windows 11 — Microsoft

It’s not uncommon for Microsoft to depreciate and remove Windows features, but the news might be rough for Windows enthusiasts. Many people have used the WSA to side-load Android apps and turn devices like the Surface Pro 9 into better tablets. Instead of the WSA, other options can be used, though it’s not as easy. Some options come 2025 will be Blue Stacks. If you own a compatible Android phone, you can stream Android apps to your PC using Microsoft’s Phone Link app.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…

Computing

4 high-end features Windows laptops still have over MacBooks

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 top down view showing tablet and pen.

Apple's MacBook lineup has exploded over the last several years, with its Silicon chipsets offering class-leading performance and efficiency. The MacBook Pro, in particular, is faster than many Windows laptops, longer-lasting than most, and has an excellent mini-LED display. There are many good reasons to choose a MacBook over a Windows laptop in today's market.

But all isn't lost for the Windows platform. Even aside from the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite laptops that look to be competitive, there are still some more basic features that you can only get on a Windows laptop at the moment. Here are the four that I keep coming back to.
Windows Hello

Computing

If you use a VPN, don’t skip this important Windows 11 update

It's not you; Windows is causing the issues this time. If the VPN on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer is having a hard time connecting, it is likely because of Microsoft's April security updates for Windows 11 (KB5036893 for) and Windows 10 (KB5036892), which have been reported to be the cause of the problems.

But there's good news. According to Microsoft, a patch is now available to fix the VPN problems users are experiencing.

News

A massive Windows 11 AI feature may launch next week despite privacy concerns

Privacy settings in Windows 11.

Windows 11 continues to build a large toolset of AI features, but the one rumored to soon launch may be the biggest change yet -- especially when it comes to your PC's privacy. Windows Latest reports that in Build 26212, the Windows 11 AI integration is named Recall and can be found on the Privacy & Security page in settings (via Albacore on X).

The concern is due to its privacy toggle. According to the latest build, you can record everything on your screen to help you better find something you were working on or searching for. The positive side is that it can help you find the report you edited when you can't remember where you saved it by accessing the timeline interface. It will also help users with their browsing history. For example, if you searched for how to use WhatsApp Web, but can't remember which browser you used or what site the information was on, AI Explorer (or Recall, as it may be named) can find the information for you.