Android apps on Windows 11 Preview now live for Windows Insiders [Update]

Earlier today, Microsoft published its developer guidance for Windows Subsystem for Android, which seemed to indicate that Android apps on Windows 11 might not be too far off. According to the guidance, only a minimum subset of apps will be available from the beginning, and they will all have to come through the Amazon App Store anyway. Now, Microsoft has announced availability of Android apps on Windows 11 Preview for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.

To get started:

1. Your PC needs to be on Windows 11 (Build 22000.xxx series builds) and meet these hardware requirements.
2. You may need to enable virtualization for your PC’s BIOS/UEFI. Click here for a guide on how to enable this on your PC.
3. Your PCs’ region must be set to the U.S.
4. Your PC must be in the Beta Channel. If you are new to the Windows Insider Program, click here to get started with registration and joining your PC to the Beta Channel.
5. You will also need to have a U.S.-based Amazon account to use the Amazon Appstore.

The blog post then directs to click on a link that will be available in the Microsoft Store which will guide you through the steps to verify if your device meets the minimum system requirements, setup your environment, and discover right away the new Android apps and games. However, the actual link part still says LINK COMING SOON, as of writing. Update: Here is the link: aka.ms/WIPAndroidApps

Microsoft also noted that the version of Windows Subsystem for Android being released today is version 1.7.32815.0 and updates for it will be automatic, through the Microsoft Store. If the PC requires a restart, the Amazon Appstore will automatically launch after restart, or you can launch it from the Start menu.

There's also a few Known Issues to be aware of.

Known issues

[Microsoft Store]

• The Microsoft Store does not display review ratings for Amazon Appstore apps.

[Amazon Appstore]

• If you are experiencing Amazon App Store sign in problems turn your Ad Blocker off.
• Accessibility options are not yet enabled when using the Amazon Appstore.

[Windows Subsystem for Android]

• Network access issues on Cellular LTE on ARM64.
• May see display visual artifacts on certain applications on ARM64.
• Performance may vary when running multiple concurrent Apps.
• There are known camera issues on certain apps.
• Apps coming out of modern standby will encounter issues.

The blog posts also states that Android Apps for Windows 11 will only be available to those in the Beta channel, those on the generally available version of Windows 11, or those in the Dev channel will not get this yet.

Update: the link is now live: aka.ms/WIPAndroidApps