Microsoft Ends Android Support on Windows 11 Effective Next Year
In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced its decision to terminate support for the Android subsystem on Windows 11, slated to take effect next year. This decision marks the conclusion of a journey that began nearly three years ago when the software giant initially unveiled plans to integrate Android applications into Windows 11 via the Amazon Appstore. Unfortunately, the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) will cease to operate starting March 5, 2025.
According to a new support document from Microsoft, the company stated, "Microsoft will end support for the Windows Subsystem for Android™ (WSA). Consequently, the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all applications and games dependent on WSA will no longer receive support from March 5, 2025."
Users who currently utilize Android applications from the Amazon Appstore will still retain access to them even after the discontinuation of support. However, the ability to download new Android applications will be disabled following Microsoft's enforcement of the Android subsystem's discontinuation next year. Beginning March 6 (tomorrow), Windows 11 users will no longer be able to discover the Amazon Appstore or related Android applications through the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft's decision comes as a surprise, given its active efforts in updating the Windows Subsystem for Android over recent years. Amazon has assured users and developers of a "smooth end-of-support experience for the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11" in collaboration with Microsoft.
Amazon further clarified, "Developers will no longer be able to submit new applications for Windows 11 after March 5, 2024. However, developers who have previously submitted applications can continue to submit updates until the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 is fully discontinued."
Initially touted as Microsoft's response to Apple's strides with the M1 chip, enabling iOS applications to run on macOS, the feature of Android applications on Windows 11 seemed promising. However, without official access to the Google Play Store, the experience of using Android applications on Windows has been somewhat lacking, particularly in terms of seamlessly accessing popular Android applications. This discrepancy is likely a key factor behind Microsoft's decision to discontinue support for Android applications on Windows 11.
Source: TheVerge