Windows 11 Gets Its First Android Apps

Microsoft plans to add more over time

By
Joshua Hawkins
Josh Hawkins
Joshua Hawkins
Freelance Technology Reporter
  • Full Sail University
Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life.
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Published on October 21, 2021 12:17PM EDT
Fact checked by
Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County
Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.
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One of the biggest features of Windows 11—the ability to use Android apps on your PC—is finally available.

Microsoft at last is bringing Android apps to Windows 11. Originally announced with the reveal of the new operating system, the feature didn’t launch with Windows 11 at the start of October. Now, however, Amazon and Microsoft are partnering to make Android apps available on the PC.

Amazon Appstore preview in Microsoft Store

Microsoft

The feature is currently available to users in the Windows Insider Beta program, which you can sign up for at any point from the Windows Update screen on your PC.

The number of apps available to download is limited, though Microsoft and Amazon have shared plans to improve that aspect in the future. For now, though, the apps include things like Kindle, the United Airlines app, and Khan Academy Kids.

It’s unclear exactly how many apps Microsoft plans to transition over and support on Windows 11, though Amazon has outlined information about how developers can get involved.

Person using Android app running on Windows 11 tablet PC

Microsoft

Support for Android apps on Windows 11 works similarly to how the new operating system supports Linux apps. Essentially, it runs the apps in a special subsystem that lets them work natively on your PC.

Users interested in trying out the new system can download the latest Windows 11 update from the Windows Insider Beta channel.

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