Microsoft has announced the end of its support for running Android apps on Windows 11, signaling the closing of the chapter for users who have grown accustomed to the convenience of accessing mobile apps on their PCs. The move comes as a shock, given that Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was initially hailed as a notable feature of Windows 11 upon its 2021 release.
The tech giant has officially confirmed the end of the Windows subsystem for Android via a recently released developer document. The document states that support for the Amazon Appstore on Windows, along with all apps and games that rely on WSA, will end on March 5, 2025. In the meantime, affected users will have access to technical support, according to reports from Windows Central.
While users with existing Android apps on their Windows 11 devices will still be able to use them after the expiration date, the ability to install new Android apps from the Microsoft Store has been revoked. Consequently, users will no longer have access to the extensive library of Android apps available through the Amazon App Store on Windows.
There has been speculation about the decision to retire the Windows subsystem for Android, with many attributing it to low usage rates. Despite the initial excitement around the feature, the adoption of Android apps on Windows 11 has been disappointing, especially without dedicated hardware for Windows tablets. Microsoft has now decided to redirect its resources towards areas that are considered more essential to the Windows ecosystem.
Microsoft’s end of support for Android apps in Windows 11 marks the end of an experiment that failed to gain significant traction among users. While existing Android applications will continue to function for the time being, the future of Android integration within the Windows environment remains uncertain. Users are advised to explore alternative solutions to access their favorite mobile applications on their personal computers in the future.
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Published: 06 March 2024, 18:00 IST