Android app support officially arrives for Windows 11 users
When Microsoft took to the virtual stage to announce Windows 11, the company had quite a bit to share. Not only were we presented with an overhaul of the Windows interface that we’ve become accustomed too, but Microsoft had an ace up its sleeve. For the first time, Microsoft was teaming up with Amazon to bring Android app support to the masses.
https://youtu.be/K6SpHPF40Ik
The feature was originally expected to debut alongside the final release of Windows 11 last Fall, but the feature was delayed for various reasons. However, those who have been waiting (im)patiently for Android apps on Windows, the wait is finally over.
In a blog post, Microsoft revealed that Android app support is coming via the first major update for Windows 11 in 2022. With the latest update, you will now be able to download around 1,000 different apps courtesy of Amazon and Microsoft. Some of the most popular apps include the obvious choices such as Kindle and Audible, but there are also a slew of other apps that you’ve likely enjoyed.
Thankfully, you don’t need to interact with Amazon’s App Store in order to download your favorite Android apps. Instead, Microsoft has gone to great lengths to make it possible to download the available apps right from the Microsoft Store on your compatible Windows 11 computer.
If you’re interested to experience the world of Android apps on your desktop (or laptop) and are already running Windows 11, getting the update is easier than ever. All you need to do is the following:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click the Library button in the sidebar on the left.
- Click the Get Updates button in the top right corner.
After the updates have been installed, you will want to restart the Microsoft Store app on your computer. Then, there will be a new section on the Microsoft Store’s homepage named “Amazon Appstore Preview”. Selecting this will take you into a pre-selected number of Android apps that you can download to your PC.
Once your favorite apps have been downloaded, they will feel just like they do on your Android phone, while supporting the best features of Windows 11. This includes things like Snap layouts when windowing apps, along with accessing the apps from your Start Menu.
The feature is rolling out now and is available to many of those who are already running Windows 11.