Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is coming later this year.
Windows 11, Android apps can be installed on all devices
(Intel, AMD and ARM), according to Microsoft.
Microsoft is adding Android Subsystem to Windows 11 that will
enable support for Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and allow
users to run Android apps on their desktop. This is similar to
the way Linux GUI apps work in Windows 11 using the Linux
subsystem (WSL).
AOSP is an open-source development project maintained by Google
and anyone (including Microsoft) is free to contribute code,
new features and fixes to the project repository. This has been
an important factor in Microsoft’s continued development of
Surface Duo OS and it’s now coming to Windows with the
next-generation operating system.
Microsoft has been internally tweaking the project for their
own purposes like Android apps support in Windows. In addition
to AOSP, Microsoft is also working on its own Android
subsystem, which will establish a proxy native app between the
Android and Windows apps model to run apps on the desktop.
To improve Android apps experience on Windows, Microsoft is
working with Intel and Amazon. While Amazon’s contribution is
limited to its Appstore integration, Intel is working with
Microsoft on the Bridge Technology, which is a runtime
post-compiler for 86-based apps.
On Intel PCs, Intel Bridge will be used to run mobile apps.
However, Intel Bridge won’t be needed on AMD or ARM, according
to Microsoft representatives. Android apps will run all
officially supported Windows 11 devices, regardless of
processor and hardware requirements.
“On AMD & ARM, Intel’s bridge tech won’t be needed/used. On ARM
devices, Android ARM apps won’t need emulation/bridge tech,”
Microsoft officials said during the second Windows event aimed
at developers.
Android apps are compiled for ARM, so bridge technology is
apparently not needed. For AMD, it’s not yet clear how the
feature will work, but Microsoft clarified that Bridge
technology is not required or needed on AMD hardware, a move
that will bring Android apps to more desktop users than
originally expected.
While Android apps will be offered via Amazon Appstore,
Microsoft has also confirmed
users will also be able to sideload apps onto Windows 11.
It would be possible to install APK files downloaded from
third-party sources after enabling the developer mode.
There are still many things we don’t know about Windows 11’s
Android support, but Microsoft officials have promised more
details in upcoming support documentations.
