2024-03-05 18:28:36
Microsoft has announced the end of support for WSA, a tool that allows Android apps to run on Windows 11. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
Source: Frandroid – Anthony Wonner
Since its launch, Windows 11 has offered a particularly interesting feature: the ability to install Android applications directly on the operating system. This feature, made possible by the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), has opened up new possibilities for Windows users, allowing them to access a wider range of applications. Moreover, Microsoft has even signed a partnership with Amazon to take advantage of its in-house Appstore.
The Windows Subsystem for Android is a runtime environment that allows Android applications to run on Windows, by translating Android API calls into equivalent calls in the Windows API. This allows Android apps to run seamlessly on Windows, without requiring significant changes from app developers.
The abandonment of the Windows subsystem for Android
However, Microsoft announced the end of support for the Windows Subsystem for Android. In a document for developers, the company said that the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all WSA-dependent apps and games will no longer be supported from March 5, 2025.
Until then, technical support will remain available to customers. Customers who installed Amazon Appstore or Android applications before March 5, 2024 will therefore continue to have access to these applications until the deprecation date. Microsoft also said that users who already have Android apps installed will be able to continue using them beyond the deprecation date. However, users who want to install new Android apps following March 5, 2025 will not be able to do so.
The reasons behind this decision
Microsoft’s decision to remove the Windows Subsystem for Android is likely due to lack of usage. Android apps are little used on Windows, especially with the lack of appeal of Windows tablets. Additionally, Windows Subsystem for Android has always been considered an experimental feature.
Fortunately, there will always be ways to use Android apps on Windows. Several third-party tools allow you to run Android apps on Windows. For example, BlueStacks is one of the most popular Android emulators for Windows. It allows users to run Android apps and games on their Windows computer with full support for mouse, keyboard, and even a gamepad. NoxPlayer is another popular Android emulator for Windows just like MEmu. So you have choices.
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