What you need to know
- Microsoft states that on March 5, 2025, it will end Android app support on Windows 11.
- The company says users can still download and use apps downloaded through the Amazon App Store and communicate with support until the deadline.
- Microsoft did not say why it decided to end support for Android apps. However, users can still use Windows Phone Link as an alternative.
Microsoft is reportedly done with Android. According to the latest announcement, users have until 2025 before support for the apps ends.
According to a developer update, Microsoft is preparing to end support for Android apps for Windows 11 through its Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on March 5, 2025 (via Windows Central). This means that Microsoft will no longer support apps available on the Amazon Appstore for Windows after this date.
The company says that all apps and games that depend on its Android app subsystem will no longer work after that date. However, users have one year from today to continue using their apps on Windows and talk to Microsoft support for help.
The post concludes by saying, “We’re grateful for the support of our developer community and remain committed to listening to feedback as we develop experiences.” Unfortunately, Microsoft does not explain why it ended support for Android apps on Windows.
Our friends at Windows Central have an idea, arguing that the service probably wasn’t popular enough for Microsoft to keep putting resources into it.
Microsoft was the first to bring native support for Android apps to Windows 11 back in 2021. The service allowed users on Windows PCs to discover popular Android apps through the Microsoft Store and download them through the Amazon App Store. The company continued to work on improving and updating the service in 2022 when WSA saw its most significant update.
The update improved app integration and communication within Windows software and included a better display of Android apps, making them feel like they’re always there.
With Microsoft’s WSA gone from PCs in March 2025, users can simply grab their Android phones or tablets for what they need. Or, users can use Windows Phone Link to make calls and view notifications without needing a phone.