Windows Subsystem for Android

Windows subsystem for Android app compatibility

Windows Subsystem for Android is a free productivity utility released by Microsoft for PC. It was published as an app in the Microsoft Store and provides some information about an essential subsystem needed to run Android apps, a feature that will be natively built into Windows 11.

One of the top new features that come with Windows 11, is its native support for running Android apps within the OS itself. Windows Subsystem for Android further supports this claim. Although details are sparse as of this writing, it does, at least, confirms the existence of the said functionality.

What exactly is Windows Subsystem for Android?

It took quite a while for Microsoft to finally release the highly-anticipated new version of its popular operating system. Controversial hardware requirements notwithstanding, Windows 11 slaps a fresh coat of paint onto Windows 10 along with under-the-hood improvements and new features, as well. One of those is native support for Android apps. Windows Subsystem for Android getting released on the Microsoft Store simply confirms everything now. There's a catch, though.

The new functionality won't be coming alongside Windows 11. Instead, it will be released as part of the Windows Insider Program and its select few testers. This seems to suggest is that this new feature might need more time in the oven and more thorough testing before it's ready for mainstream use. Hence, the very limited release and the number of users that can actually get to test it out.

When it comes to the actual app itself, there is really nothing to be seen there. When you try to open it up, it just displays a black screen and does nothing more. If you're expecting to instantly enable the functionality in your current OS, that won't be the case here. It is merely a placeholder for a feature that is yet to come.

A confirmation and nothing more

All in all, while the app itself does nothing right now, it does confirm the support for running Android apps is indeed coming to Windows 11. You will have to wait for it though as it's more than likely to be included in an OS update a few months after. If your machine is eligible and compatible to run Microsoft's latest and greatest, this is one thing to get excited about.