Android apps on Windows 11 can communicate on local network after update

Microsoft has updated the Windows Subsystem for Android in the dev and beta channels to Android 12.1. As of this update, it is also possible for Android apps in Windows 11 to communicate on the local network.

Android 12.1 is also known as Android 12L. Microsoft calls as examples of the new possibility to control smart home devices and security cameras thanks to access to the local network. Until now, Android apps in Windows 11 could only communicate with the internet.

Furthermore, the Redmond-based company announces that the settings app for WSA has been redesigned. It now has ‘clearer groups’ and a ‘cleaner’ user experience. A diagnostic data viewer has also been introduced where all data collected by the subsystem can be viewed. Finally, there are new compatibility settings for apps, in which you can set, for example, that the window of an Android app cannot be enlarged or reduced, or that the arrow keys perform a ‘swipe’ on the screen of the app.

Android apps are now also integrated into the Windows status bar. Icons will be shown when Android apps use the microphone, camera or location tracking, for example. It should also be easy to see which apps those are. In addition, as of this build, Android notifications will be forwarded as Windows notifications. Also, waking the PC from sleep should no longer cause Android apps to restart.

The improvements can be found in Windows version 2204.40000.15.0. This is available for the so-called Windows insiders. That is a release channel that anyone can subscribe to. Officially, the WSA for Windows 11 is not yet available outside the United States, but it is also possible to get started with Android in Windows outside that country.

The Zonneplan app in this screenshot was installed on a Windows 11 installation outside the US