Microsoft is starting beta testing 50 applications on a new component of the operating system called “Windows Subsystem for Android”.Microsoft is offering the first look at Android app support in Windows 11, but only for Insider Beta builds.
Android application support is available in the beta channel for US users under “Windows 11 Build 22000.xxx.” Series. “PCs built with Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm chips can run it. Microsoft expects Insider users to help test the feature ahead of its general rollout, which is slated for next year.
“To dive in, open the new Microsoft Store and look for a selection of mobile experiences that weren’t previously available on Windows,” the company said. Users will notice the arrival of the Amazon Android App Store, which allows them to try out 50 apps, including games, the Kindle reading app, and content for kids.
“Running Android apps and games on Windows 11 will feel familiar, simple, and seamlessly integrated,” Microsoft says. “You can easily run these apps alongside with the new Snap Layouts feature, pin them to the Start menu or taskbar, and interact with them with your mouse, touch, or ink.”.
You can also copy and paste information between Android and Windows apps. Notifications from Android programs are also displayed in the Windows 11 “Action Center”
To run the applications, Microsoft adds a new component called “Windows Subsystem for Android” to the operating system. Basically, it loads the Android operating system into a Hyper-V virtual machine, similar to the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
“The subsystem includes the Linux kernel and the Android operating system based on version 11 of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP),” Microsoft explains. “It is being distributed through the Microsoft Store as part of the Amazon Appstore installation, allowing users to stay up to date over time as we continue to add support for more APIs, functions, and scenarios. ” The subsystem also
appears in the Windows 11 Start menu and can be configured to suit your needs.
Microsoft has released additional instructions on how to download the beta channel. However, to access Android apps you apparently need an Amazon account on the US Internal Development Channel. Users will get support for Android apps at a later date.
