Microsoft will bring Android apps back to Windows 11, but don’t get excited just yet

Microsoft resurrected the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). Having confirmed several months ago that it would cease its use, the tech giant will bring back integration that will allow Android apps to run on Windows 11. Microsoft has announced a new program for downloading and installing mobile applications directly into the operating system.

This initiative is part of Microsoft’s collaboration with Tencent in China. Although the ad doesn’t mention the word “Android Subsystem”, the functionality is identical. Users will be able to search and download apps from Tencent App Store from Microsoft Store, Start Menu, Windows Search or Bing.

“This search will call the Microsoft Store to download and install, creating shortcuts in Windows.. Users can then click desktop shortcuts to use applications,” Microsoft noted. “This collaboration allows Windows PCs on various architectures (including ARM) to seamlessly use mobile apps and games from the Tencent App Store section of the Microsoft Store.”

Lin Songtao, Vice President Tencent, said they are looking to take advantage of the broader computing ecosystem. “The PC platform has a large user base,” Songtao said. “Our goal is to provide technology, traffic and marketing support to mobile device developers for cross-platform integration in collaboration with Microsoft Store and Intel,” he added.

Before you start worrying, we have some bad news. Windows Subsystem for Android won’t return, at least not in the form in which we knew it. The partnership between Microsoft and Tencent will only be in China, and there are no plans to offer it in other regions. Microsoft has confirmed that this alliance will release more than 1,500 Android apps for Windows 11.

Why Windows Subsystem for Android Was Canceled

In early March, Microsoft announced the end of support for the Windows Subsystem for Android. This feature could have fulfilled the dream of bringing Android apps to Windows 11, but the implementation never reached its desired potential due to Google.

Andrew Klinik, who worked at Microsoft as a WSA program manager, mentioned a few months ago that The lack of Google services was key to preventing the platform from being deployed.. Amazon was the only alternative, although it was not enough to pay salaries and implementation costs.

Although Microsoft has stopped supporting Android apps in the WestIn China things are different. The lack of Google services in this country has not become a problem for mobile device manufacturers. The residents of Redmond saw a window of opportunity and entered into an agreement with Tencent that would allow them to realize the original vision for the subsystem.

It’s hard to say whether Microsoft will give him a second chance outside of China. At the moment there are no conditions for it, although the company invests in the development of native applications for ARMthanks to the new Copilot+ PC.