Microsoft is testing Windows 11 beta with Android app support
Microsoft has released a beta version of the Windows Subsystem for Android. This allows American members of the Windows Insider program to test Android apps on Windows 11. It is not known when the feature will be released for all users.
Microsoft writes in a blog post that Windows insiders in the beta channel can test Android apps on Windows 11 from Wednesday. This test feature is available for systems with chips from AMD, Intel and Qualcomm. The company reports that the test is currently only available to users in the United States.
The test offer currently consists of fifty apps, but that offer must gradually be expanded. Currently, mobile games such as Lords Mobile and Coin Master are offered, in addition to the Kindle app and children’s applications such as Khan Academy Kids, the company writes.
Android apps on Windows 11. Image via Microsoft
The Android apps for Windows come from the Amazon Appstore and can be installed through the Windows Store. The apps function just like regular Windows apps and support features such as the new Snap Layouts from Windows 11. Android apps are also integrated into the alt+tab menu and task view, Microsoft reports. Notifications from Android apps are also displayed in the action center and Windows and Android applications can also share a clipboard.
The feature uses the so-called Windows Subsystem for Android component, which runs on Windows 11. This is based on the Linux kernel and an AOSP build of Android 11. This component is distributed through the Microsoft Store as part of the Amazon Appstore installation. The subsystem runs in a Hyper-V VM, just like the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Microsoft announced Windows 11 earlier this year and released the OS on October 5. The company previously reported that Windows 11 would receive support for Android apps, but later announced that the feature would not be available immediately upon release. The feature uses the Intel Bridge compiler, which allows Arm-only apps to run on x86 machines. It is unknown when the Windows Subsystem for Android will be released for all Windows 11 users.
Images via Microsoft