Windows 11 and Android apps: Still not quite there

On Apple M1 Computers: You can run iOS apps directly on your Mac if the developer allows it. However, this blurs the lines between your iPhone and your computer. But what about Windows?

Although it’s not legal to use iPhone apps on Windows, there are some options can You can run Android apps on Windows 11 with a built in feature of Windows 11. This feature was tested on Windows 11 and we have documented it for you.

Windows 11 Android Application Requirements Overview

You will need to go through several steps before you are able to access the Windows feature. We’ll be discussing each one in more detail later. These are summarized below:

• Windows 11 Preview Build Available Through Windows Inside.
• A computer with hardware virtualization support.
• Amazon Accoun.
• Location in the US.

These requirements may be temporary and are not applicable to all countries, including the United States.

The following system requirements apply:

• 8GB of RAM (recommended 16GB).
• Intel Core i3 8th Generation, AMD Ryzen 3000 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c or higher.
• Storage: Solid-state drive (SSD).

AMD Ryzen 2000 CPUs and Intel 7th Gen processors are not compatible with Android apps running on Windows 11.

It is necessary to use a preview build

This feature is currently not available in Windows 11. To access this feature, at the moment you must sign up to the Windows Insider Program. You will need Windows 11 Public Preview Build.1.8.32837.0 to enable the feature.

The option to opt in for the Windows Insider Program You can find the Settings app under Windows Update Settings.

Warning: This will make your Windows install to a Beta Version. This means that there is no guarantee regarding data security, stability or performance.

The Windows Insider version of Windows 11 is not recommended for an average user. Windows Insider editions should not be used on critical computers that you use for school or work. If you don’t need to run Android apps on Windows 11, wait until the official update is available.

There are two types of “Phone Link”: Link to Windows and “Phone Link”!

Some people might believe you already have access to Android apps from your Windows. However, this can prove confusing when considering some models of smartphones include the “Link to Windows” function App Phone Link Windows (earlier called Your Phone).

If this option is enabled, your smartphone’s screen will be cast to Windows. This allows you control it with Windows. It gives you the illusion of Android apps being run on Windows 11 computers. The app is still available on Android, and the screen streams to Windows.

Android apps run on Windows 11

Android apps use a different architecture to Windows. Android uses an ARM CPU architecture while Windows runs on the x86 architecture. Although there is an ARM edition of Windows 11 available, we won’t discuss it here. It’s also relatively uncommon compared with the total Windows 11 installation base.

Virtualization technology can be used to emulate Android systems within Windows in order to allow Android apps to be run on Windows. The virtual machine that contains the app emulates a smartphone’s hardware. The app emulates an ARM processor and converts between different CPU “languages”

It is because of this that hardware virtualization support is a crucial requirement for Android apps to work in Windows 11 on an x86 platform. It should always be turned on by default, if the CPU supports it. If this feature is enabled and active, the BIOS/UEFI menu can be checked.

How to prepare your PC for Android Apps on Windows 11

Once you have signed up for Windows Insider Program make sure to opt in for the Public Preview build. Then, install the update. You are now ready to begin the Android app install process.

It is likely that you would expect this to happen via the Microsoft Store. But that is only the beginning of the journey:

1. Open the Start Menu The following are the Taskbar Select the Microsoft Store App shopping bag icon You can search it using the search bar.

2. You can find the following items in the retail store: search bar Type Amazon Appstore.

3. You may be informed by your motherboard that virtualization must first be enabled. Refer to the documentation for how to do this on your particular computer. After you enable virtualization, return to this guide. Choose Set Up If you are asked for permission, follow the wizard.

4. Next, accept the Windows Subsystem for Android installation (WSA). Please select Download.

5. When asked if you would like the app to allow you to make any changes in your life, choose Yes.
6. Now select Open Amazon Appstore The popup will be displayed.

7. Log in to your account Amazon account or create one If you do not have one, get one.

It is only a once-off process. This process is permanent and will not be repeated unless Windows 7 or a later version of Windows has the option. You are now ready to use Android Apps on your PC.

How to Install Android Apps on Windows 11

Once the initial configuration is completed, it’s now possible to install Android applications. But first, we need to locate them:

1. Open the Amazon Appstore App.

2. Find the app that you are looking for.
3. Select Get And then Download Click here to start the installation process.

4. Select the option you want to use once it is installed Open To launch your app.

The app will automatically open and you are ready to use it.

Sideloading Android apps in Windows 11

It may disappoint you that the Amazon Appstore is not available in your area (similar to) Kindle Android phones and tablets), however, you are able to sideload Android apps not available in the store. Sideloading This simply refers to installing apps from a file downloaded rather than from an official storefront.

Sideloading is dangerous

Sideloading has many disadvantages and risks. Sideloading has been around since the Android .apk file It is not possible to install malware by downloading apps from the app stores that have malware security check.

It’s unlikely malware intended for Android will infect your Windows system because the app is running within a virtualized environment. You could be the victim of malware or other malicious things, however.

Sideloading can be dangerous and unsafe. You won’t receive updates. You will need to manually search for and download the.apk file in order to get the most recent version.

You Need to Sideload Apps on Windows 11

Sideloading applications from Windows 11 can be complicated and takes far more time than you might think. You’ll first need to download ADB (Android Debug Bridge () Software for Window.

Once you have installed the ADB platform tools on your Android device, Developer Mode must be enabled in the Windows Subsystem settings.

You can then use the Command Prompt command to link the platform tools with the virtual IP address for the Windows Subsystem. To install APK files downloaded from the Internet, you will also require Command Prompt commands.

Only developers or experienced users should attempt to sideload Android apps into Windows.

There are other ways you can run Android Apps on Windows 11

Third-party options are available if your native Windows app to run Android apps doesn’t work, is slow, or you don’t wish to use the beta version. Our list of recommended third-party apps can be viewed here The best Android Emulators on Windows, There are many to choose from, however there are two that you might find useful if your time is short.

Bluestacks It’s an Android emulator with a laser-focused performance focus. This would be our number one recommendation if Android video games are to be played on Windows 11 computers.

Consider using more generic mobile apps if you are looking for general purpose NoxPlayer . . Although it is primarily a gaming emulator, you can sideload apps from it rather than downloading them directly from Google Play Store.

How to get around regional restrictions

This tip is for those who aren’t in the USA. Move your Windows Region to the United States and activate “Activate a” VPN Restart Windows Store by connecting to a US server. The Amazon Appstore will now be available where it wasn’t before. It will however still show you an error in your region. This was solved by downloading App Store Amazon, This solved the problem.

Future of Android Apps for Windows 11

It’s great to finally see the promised feature in Windows 11, but the user experience is not as polished or robust as it could be. Also, app support is too weak.

Microsoft has not provided any details regarding the future of this feature. It will still be updated regularly once it is released as an update to all Windows 11 operating systems.