Microsoft is set to end its Android apps on Windows 11 subsystem in 2025. This simply means that you will not be able to download new Android apps from Amazon’s Appstore on Windows 11 starting March 2025.
Microsoft to End Its Android Apps on Windows 11 Subsystem
Microsoft has made the surprising decision to discontinue support for its Android subsystem in Windows 11, effective March 5th, 2025. This move marks the end of a nearly three-year effort to integrate Android apps into the Windows 11 ecosystem through Amazon’s Appstore. The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) will be deprecated, leading to the cessation of support for the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all associated applications and games.
Existing Users of Android Apps from the Amazon Appstore Will Retain Access
While existing users of Android apps from the Amazon Appstore will retain access to these apps beyond the cutoff date, they will no longer be able to download new apps once Microsoft terminates its Android subsystem support next year. Additionally, starting March 6th, 2024, Windows 11 users will no longer be able to locate the Amazon Appstore or any related Android apps via the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft’s Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Its Windows Subsystem for Android
This decision comes as a surprise considering Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance its Windows Subsystem for Android in recent years. Amazon has pledged to collaborate with Microsoft to ensure a seamless end-of-support experience for developers and customers of the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11. However, developers will no longer be able to submit new apps targeting Windows 11 after March 5, 2024, although updates for existing apps will still be accepted until the complete discontinuation of the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11.
The Integration of Android Apps into Windows 11
Initially, the integration of Android apps into Windows 11 appeared to be Microsoft’s response to Apple’s advancements with its M1 chips and the ability to run iOS apps on macOS. Despite partnering with Amazon, the absence of official access to Google’s Play Store meant that the experience of accessing popular Android apps on Windows was suboptimal. This likely contributed to Microsoft’s decision to terminate its Android apps support on Windows 11 altogether.
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