Microsoft has ended support for Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), the virtual machine that allowed it to distribute Android apps for Windows 11 through the Amazon Appstore marketplace. The tech giant initially got official support for mobile apps through a partnership with Amazon in 2021, and has updated the platform frequently since then. According to the announcement, Windows 11 users will not be able to use it Android apps after March 5, 2025.
The Amazon Appstore for Windows would no longer be supported.
Microsoft made the statement on March 5, 2024 in a note marked “Important” on the Windows Subsystem for Android website. The company stated that after the specified date next year, Amazon Appstore for Windows and all programs and games that rely on WSA would no longer be supported. “Until then, technical support will be provided to consumers. The company told customers who downloaded Amazon Appstore or Android applications before March 5, 2024, they can be used until March 5, 2025.
Amazon also provided an update for developers, detailing how the development will affect them and highlighting key dates to remember. According to the e-commerce giant, developers will no longer be allowed to propose new apps. This came into effect on Tuesday. However, developers with the app can continue to provide updates and support until end date 2025
Users can continue to use all pre-installed apps for the next year until March 5, 2025.
However, downloading and installing new programs is not an option. The Amazon App Store and all related Android apps in the Microsoft Store will not be searchable on Windows 11. The stunning move comes just three years later WSA was originally published by Microsoft. Although the company did not provide a rationale for the decision, an analysis by Ars Technica revealed that Android app users on Windows 11 were relatively low.
According to the story, Microsoft was unable to reach an agreement with Google and opted to use the Amazon Appstore insteadwhich has a far smaller range of applications than Toy shop. Furthermore, most major software developers offer a web-based or stand-alone interface Windows application. For these reasons, WSA and native Android apps may never have caught on.