Microsoft originally released the Windows Subsystem for Android exclusive to users in the Beta channel in the United States, obviously on a limited number of devices, but now it looks like the company is ready to expand the rollout.
The Redmond-based software giant has announced that a preview of the Android experience on Windows 11 is now live in the Dev channel too, though the feature remains exclusive to users in the United States.
A native experience
Microsoft has tried to make Android apps on Windows 11 feel as native as possible, and this is the reason installing them is extremely straightforward. Android apps are listed in the Microsoft Store, though they are powered by the Amazon Appstore.
And after the installation, they can be pinned to the taskbar and also appear in the Alt + Tab screen, just like a regular Windows application.
“Running Android apps and games on Windows 11 will feel familiar, effortless, and integrated – just as you would expect. You can easily run these apps side-by-side with the help of the new Snap Layouts feature, pin them to your Start menu or Taskbar, and interact with them via mouse, touch, or pen input,” Microsoft explains.
“Android apps are also integrated into Alt + Tab and Task view to help you quickly move back-and-forth between the apps that matter most to you. You can see notifications from Android apps notifications in the Notification Center or share your clipboard between a Windows app and an Android app. We have built the experience with accessibility in mind; many Windows accessibility settings apply to Android apps and we are working with Amazon to deliver more improvements.”
At this point, however, there’s no ETA as to when Microsoft could make this feature available for all insiders, as the company is still gradually improving the availability to make sure everything is working properly.