Microsoft unexpectedly announced that it is ending support for the Windows subsystem for Android next year on March 5.
The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) allows users to run native Android applications in a virtualized environment with sound, graphics and network connectivity.
Released in October 2021, WSA quickly made headlines as it allowed users to install apps from the Amazon App Store on Windows 11.
Source: BleepingComputer
Today, in a surprise update to the WSA development documentation first seen by Windows Central, Microsoft says it’s ending support for the Windows Subsystem for Android on March 5, 2025.
Windows apps that rely on the Windows Subsystem for Android, including the Amazon Appstore on Windows and WSA games, will no longer be supported at that time.
“Microsoft is ending support for the Windows Subsystem for Android™️ (WSA),” the updated document reads.
“As a result, the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all WSA-dependent apps and games will no longer be supported from the start March 5, 2025. Until then, technical support will remain available to users.”
“Customers who installed Amazon Appstore or Android apps before March 5, 2024 will continue to have access to those apps until the termination date of March 5, 2025. Please contact our support team with additional questions at support.microsoft.com. We are grateful to support our developer community and remain committed to listening to feedback as we develop experiences.”
Amazon also announced the end of support for the Windows subsystem for Android, providing more clarity to app developers and users.
“Developers will no longer be able to submit net new apps targeting Windows 11 after March 5, 2024, but developers with an existing app can continue to submit app updates until the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 is completely retired,” Amazon’s developer newsletter says programmers.
Starting tomorrow, Windows users can no longer install the Amazon Appstore or related apps from the Microsoft Store. However, users will still be able to use the Appstore apps they previously installed and will continue to receive updates for those apps.
For now, Windows 11 users will be able to continue using installed apps until the retirement date of March 5, 2025. At that time, it’s unclear whether the apps will be automatically removed, stop working, or simply no longer receive support.