Since Microsoft unveiled its new system, one of the features that attracted the most attention was the ability to Use Android apps directly on Windows 11What could previously only be done with emulators or the Your Phone app is now much better integrated into the desktop itself, with icons, windows, and notifications just like native programs.
In recent months this feature has matured considerably: the Subsystem for Windows for Android (WSA) It's been jumping from Android 11 to Android 12 and already has its sights set on Android 13. The Amazon Appstore is integrating with the Microsoft Store, and alternative methods have emerged for installing APKs, adding the Google Play Store, or using classic emulators like BlueStacks. Let's take a close look, in detail, at what's new, what's compatible, and how to really get the most out of Android apps on your Windows 11 PC.
What's new in the Windows subsystem for Android in Windows 11
The key piece of this whole invention is the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA)A compatibility layer that acts as a "virtual Android" within Windows 11. Initially based on Android 11, Microsoft has been updating it to Android 12 and has already planned the jump to Android 11. Android 13, according to the public roadmap it maintains on GitHub.
Android 13 support is not limited to a version number change: it brings noticeable improvements in performance and safetyas well as a polished interface that's better suited to resizable windows, notifications, and desktop multitasking. For the average user, this means apps that open faster, crash less, and integrate more seamlessly with the Windows environment.
Among the improvements that Microsoft has announced is also the compatibility with Android home screen shortcutsThis will allow shortcuts you would normally set in your mobile launcher to be mirrored in Windows, making it easier to launch specific actions or sections within certain mobile apps with a single click from your PC.
The roadmap also mentions the Direct content transfer between Windows and WSAThis points to a smoother exchange of files, text, or data between Android apps and the rest of the system's programs. In addition, there will be a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, ideal for having, for example, a video player or a messaging app floating on top of other windows while you work.
Another important change is that the subsystem will now have access to the local network by defaultThis is key for applications that need to see other devices on the same network (for example, multimedia clients, management tools, home automation apps, etc.). However, Microsoft has made it clear that, at least for now, Its roadmap does not include advanced USB support, hardware DRM, or full direct access to Bluetooth.Therefore, certain types of apps (especially those that depend on content protection or specific peripherals) will continue to have limitations.
What Microsoft hasn't revealed is a firm date for all these features. WSA's development is progressing in parallel with major system updates and the so-called Meetings and EventsSmall packages of new features are gradually arriving in Windows 11. Patience is key, but the direction is clear: the company wants running Android apps to become increasingly common in the desktop environment.
Requirements for running Android applications on Windows 11
Before you start installing stores and subsystems, it's a good idea to check if your equipment meets the requirements. minimum requirements for using WSA and Android appsAlthough many modern computers pass the test, there are a number of points you should keep in mind.
First is memory: Microsoft recommends having at least 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 16 GB to be more than enoughAfter all, the subsystem is a kind of virtual machine, and you'll still have Windows, your browser, and all your other programs running.
As for the processor, a chip is required of 8th generation Intel Core i3 or higher, AMD Ryzen 3000 series or higher, or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c If we're talking about ARM platforms, the processor architecture must be x64 or ARM64, as is the case with most modern computers running Windows 11.
The type of storage also matters: ideally, the system should be installed on a SSD driveWith a mechanical hard disk drive (HDD), the experience can be too slow, and in many cases, the installation of the subsystem is not allowed at all, as the performance would fall far short of expectations.
To check that your equipment is ready, you can go to Settings> System> About and check the processor, RAM, and system type. For storage, go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks and volumes And check if Disk 0 is an SSD. If you also keep your Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store apps updated to the latest versionYou'll have everything ready to install WSA and the Amazon Appstore without any surprises.
Another essential technical requirement is having the Virtual Machine PlatformYou can enable it by typing "Turn Windows features on or off" in the Windows search box and checking the corresponding box. Without this component, the subsystem cannot start correctly.
Methods for installing and using Android apps on Windows 11
Once you've verified that the equipment meets all the requirements, it's time to decide how you want it. Install and run Android apps on your PCThere are several possible routes, each with its own advantages, limitations, and level of complexity.
Official method (NO LONGER AVAILABLE): Amazon Appstore via Microsoft Store
The method “blessed” by Microsoft was to install the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft StoreAll you had to do was open the Store, search for “Amazon Appstore” and click Install.
During this process, not only was the Amazon store added, but also... It automatically configured the Windows Subsystem for AndroidIn other words, in a single step we had the Android layer and the store from which to download the first compatible apps set up.
The least user-friendly part of the official method was the catalog. The Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 had a limited and rather mediocre selection.It focuses primarily on free-to-play games and apps that weren't typically among the most popular with the general public. It's a start, yes, but if you were expecting to find all your favorite Android apps, disappointment was almost guaranteed.
Microsoft decided to discontinue support, leaving users who wanted an official product stranded..
Use BlueStacks as an alternative emulator
Beyond WSA, the classic option still exists: use an Android emulator like BlueStacksThis platform has been perfected for years and has earned a niche especially among mobile gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles on the big screen.
BlueStacks includes by default the Google Play Store with full support from Google servicesThis allows you to log in with your account, download games and apps you've already purchased, and access almost the entire mobile catalog without any complicated workarounds. It also lets you manually install APKs if needed.
One of its great assets is the advanced configuration of controls, performance, and resolutionYou can map keys to touch specific areas of the screen, adjust the emulator's resolution, limit or expand the resources it can use, change the device profile, and optimize each game or app individually.
In terms of cost, BlueStacks remains free softwareAlthough it's funded through commercial agreements and recommendations, its focus is clearly on gaming, but you can launch almost any Android app you can think of, from messaging to productivity tools, as long as there aren't any compatibility issues.
If what interests you is primarily play mobile games on PCThe experience offered by BlueStacks is usually more complete than that of WSA, as it has been designed from the beginning as an emulation environment optimized for games: better controller support, recording tools, macros, multiple instances, etc.
More ways to use Android apps: Your Phone (Mobile Link)
In addition to "native" execution via WSA, Microsoft has been promoting another integration for some time: the application Mobile Link (formerly Your Phone), which connects your Android to Windows to view notifications, reply to messages, make calls and, on compatible models, use mobile apps mirrored on the PC.
With Mobile Link you can Open apps installed on your smartphone directly on your computer screenprovided there is a stable Wi-Fi connection. They are not installed on the PC: what you see is a real-time projection, but it behaves very similarly to having the app in front of you, with a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen.
The mouse works like your finger: A click is equivalent to a tap, the right button acts as "back", holding it down simulates a long press And scrolling with the wheel lets you navigate lists or screens just like you would with a touch gesture. For some apps designed specifically for gestures, you might still need a touchscreen device to get the most out of it, but for most uses, it's more than adequate.
The Windows system tray provides quick access to the recently used applications Through Mobile Link, and directly from the app, you can see a list of your recently opened apps on your mobile device and relaunch them from your PC with just a couple of clicks. If you find this integration in the notification area annoying, you can disable it in the app's settings.
One interesting feature that has been added is the ability to play audio from mobile directly on the PCIf you meet the requirements (for example, Samsung devices with One UI 5.0 or higher), when you open the app screen, you'll be asked for audio permissions, and from then on, the sound will be routed to your computer. You can choose whether to listen through your PC's speakers, Bluetooth headphones paired with your computer, or route it back to your phone, all from the Mobile Link options.
This solution has one key advantage: It does not require virtual machines or subsystemsAs long as you can install Mobile Link and have a compatible phone, you can access your apps without virtual machines or subsystems, making it a very attractive option for older laptops or less powerful devices.
Integration and user experience of Android apps on Windows 11
Beyond the “how” they are installed, it is important to understand How well do these apps perform on the Windows 11 desktop?Microsoft has worked to make the experience as close as possible to a native program, but there are details worth keeping in mind.
Android applications run via WSA They open in separate windows, can be resized, minimized, and pinned to the taskbar like any other Windows software. Furthermore, they integrate with the notification system, so notifications from mobile apps appear in the Windows Notification Center alongside the rest.
The interface, however, remains the one designed for mobile: windows typically in vertical orientationLarge, touch-friendly buttons and menus that sometimes don't fully utilize the monitor's horizontal space. It's possible to run multiple apps in separate windows and combine this with Windows 11's multitasking and window layouts, something Microsoft has emphasized in its demonstrations.
In the case of Mobile Link, the apps are displayed within a window that mirrors the phone's screen, but they can also be Pin shortcuts to the Start menu or taskbarThat way, you launch the app from Windows and, in the background, the mirroring session with your mobile phone opens automatically.
It is important to note that, unlike WSA, the apps you use via Mobile Link They are not installed on the PC, but run on the phone itself.This has clear implications: you depend on the mobile phone's battery, its internet connection, and the device being nearby and connected, but in return you hardly consume any additional resources on the desktop computer.
Among the features designed for user convenience are also simple options for Pinning and unpinning Android apps in the Windows environmentIf you no longer want a mirrored app pinned to the taskbar, you can remove it using the classic "Unpin from taskbar" option. If it was added to the Start menu via Mobile Link, you'll need to unpin it from Settings > Apps & features.
Is it worth using Android apps on Windows 11?
The big question is whether all this effort pays off in day-to-day operations. From a practical point of view, The actual usefulness depends heavily on the type of apps you want to use. and your work or entertainment habits.
If we focus on the Amazon Appstore integrated into WSAThe general feeling is that, as of today, it falls far short. The catalog is small, the average quality of many apps is low, and much of what it offers consists of games with in-app purchases designed to kill time. It's fine as a showcase for what Windows 11 is capable of, but not so much as a productivity solution or as a replacement for an Android phone.
When you enter the terrain of Google Play Store integrated into WSA or BlueStacksThings are improving, but you also realize that there are many services you can already use comfortably on Windows without needing the Android version. Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Web, Google Drive, most office tools… almost all of them have a powerful web version or equivalent desktop applications.
Therefore, it only makes sense to embark on installing the Play Store or making intensive use of APKs if You depend on very specific apps that only exist on Android. Or if you want to take advantage of specific features that aren't available in the browser. In many other cases, it's more convenient and cleaner to continue using the web versions or native Windows apps.
You also have to keep in mind that Most Android apps are not designed for keyboard and mouse.Navigation can feel clunky, some gestures don't translate well to clicks, and overall, the experience isn't as smooth as on a mobile phone or tablet. Neither Microsoft, nor Google, nor most developers are massively adapting their mobile applications for the desktop environment, so this drawback will likely persist for quite some time.
Where a big leap is noticeable is in the area of the mobile games running on PCThis is where solutions like BlueStacks shine: better performance, greater comfort for long sessions, optimized controls, the option to use a controller or keyboard, and even competitive advantages in some titles. If your goal is to enjoy some serious Android gaming on a big screen, the effort of setting up an emulator or configuring WSA makes perfect sense.
As you can see, the ecosystem of Android apps on Windows 11 are in full evolutionWith Microsoft fine-tuning its subsystem, Amazon polishing its store, the community pushing for the inclusion of the Play Store, and classic emulators holding their own, the landscape is evolving. Depending on your needs—testing a specific app, working with mobile-only tools, or enjoying games on a grand scale—you'll have a range of options available, from the most official and straightforward to the most advanced and flexible.
