F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems The "Android Apps" feature in Windows 11 allows users to run apps from the Android Store directly on their PC.

The "Android Apps" feature in Windows 11 allows users to run apps from the Android Store directly on their PC.

The "Android Apps" feature in Windows 11 allows users to run apps from the Android Store directly on their PC.

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PainfulFist
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03-25-2021, 10:50 PM
#1
Windows has just launched a new update, Windows 11, and says it can support running certain Android applications. The question is whether this means APK files work directly, or if special adaptations are needed for the platform.
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PainfulFist
03-25-2021, 10:50 PM #1

Windows has just launched a new update, Windows 11, and says it can support running certain Android applications. The question is whether this means APK files work directly, or if special adaptations are needed for the platform.

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Ellie1004
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03-26-2021, 06:29 AM
#2
You need to go to Windows store where you get the Amazon app store and you get the apps that are in the Amazon app store. It was said that you can sideload apps but I don't know whether that's true.
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Ellie1004
03-26-2021, 06:29 AM #2

You need to go to Windows store where you get the Amazon app store and you get the apps that are in the Amazon app store. It was said that you can sideload apps but I don't know whether that's true.

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ahhim721
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03-28-2021, 01:37 AM
#3
It's not the usual method people use, I believe most rely on the Google Play Store. I saw some Android apps there, but they seemed like copies—how do Windows run Android apps natively? I’m not sure if this is even available in Windows 11 yet. Also, does Android support mean it works smoothly on my Samsung phone? ☺
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ahhim721
03-28-2021, 01:37 AM #3

It's not the usual method people use, I believe most rely on the Google Play Store. I saw some Android apps there, but they seemed like copies—how do Windows run Android apps natively? I’m not sure if this is even available in Windows 11 yet. Also, does Android support mean it works smoothly on my Samsung phone? ☺

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CrazyWill007
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03-29-2021, 03:02 AM
#4
It seems like you're comparing this setup to Anbox for Linux, which uses a lightweight Android build and translates system calls similarly to WSL. For Android apps built for x86, they perform near-native execution on the host system. However, they remain distinct from native Windows applications. I'm curious to know if Microsoft has introduced an Arm-based compatibility layer for x86, as this appears to be where challenges begin.
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CrazyWill007
03-29-2021, 03:02 AM #4

It seems like you're comparing this setup to Anbox for Linux, which uses a lightweight Android build and translates system calls similarly to WSL. For Android apps built for x86, they perform near-native execution on the host system. However, they remain distinct from native Windows applications. I'm curious to know if Microsoft has introduced an Arm-based compatibility layer for x86, as this appears to be where challenges begin.

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AlphaWolf_12
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03-29-2021, 07:02 AM
#5
It suggests you can't access random Android apps online, which means the Android app feature isn't available in Windows 11 for you. You might not be able to use Android emulators anymore, and it seems unlikely they'll become a practical option soon.
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AlphaWolf_12
03-29-2021, 07:02 AM #5

It suggests you can't access random Android apps online, which means the Android app feature isn't available in Windows 11 for you. You might not be able to use Android emulators anymore, and it seems unlikely they'll become a practical option soon.

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ThePyromaniaxe
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03-31-2021, 09:58 AM
#6
It's accurate to say that apps requiring Google Play will remain unavailable until Google rolls out the service for Windows. There might be some unofficial updates soon, possibly allowing sideloading on Windows 11, but this is uncertain at the moment. Meanwhile, Amazon Store integration will ensure Android apps from there function properly, as they bypass the standard Google Play system. Confirming that sideloading Android apps is possible, though the specific supported formats are still unclear. We can expect more clarity once Microsoft confirms support for APKs and Google updates its policies regarding app formats.
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ThePyromaniaxe
03-31-2021, 09:58 AM #6

It's accurate to say that apps requiring Google Play will remain unavailable until Google rolls out the service for Windows. There might be some unofficial updates soon, possibly allowing sideloading on Windows 11, but this is uncertain at the moment. Meanwhile, Amazon Store integration will ensure Android apps from there function properly, as they bypass the standard Google Play system. Confirming that sideloading Android apps is possible, though the specific supported formats are still unclear. We can expect more clarity once Microsoft confirms support for APKs and Google updates its policies regarding app formats.

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dani2401
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03-31-2021, 04:25 PM
#7
It functions identically to WSL. Interesting note—WSL initiated a project to execute Android apps on Windows 10 Mobile. Unfortunately, the Snapdragon 810 couldn't compete, so it was reused on Windows 10 PC for Linux execution. It will be named WSA, the Windows Subsystem for Android.
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dani2401
03-31-2021, 04:25 PM #7

It functions identically to WSL. Interesting note—WSL initiated a project to execute Android apps on Windows 10 Mobile. Unfortunately, the Snapdragon 810 couldn't compete, so it was reused on Windows 10 PC for Linux execution. It will be named WSA, the Windows Subsystem for Android.

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