Windows Subsystem for Android

Pros

• Works as a proof of concept for future development
• Offers initial support for a subset of Android apps
• Gives users a way to test how well their system will handle the official release

Cons

• Extremely limited selection of compatible Android apps
• Low level of compatibility means many users won't see anything other than a black screen
• It's difficult to sideload unsupported apps

Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Android provides the underlying framework which will eventually allow Android programs to run on Windows 11. It's essentially an implementation of the Android operating system with hooks into Windows 11. However, people using the Windows Subsystem for Android won't really see much of the standard Android environment.

Windows Subsystem for Android instead integrates Android apps into the Windows operating system. This is quite different than the standard ways an emulator would run Android apps. Instead of presenting a virtualized version of Android, the subsystem presents Android apps in a native window. In short, Windows Subsystem for Android tries to make Android apps work like normal Windows-based programs.

It's important to keep in mind that the Windows Subsystem for Android still hasn't been officially released. The current builds are available as a public preview rather than something to depend on or expect stability from. The early status of the Windows Subsystem for Android means that it has an extremely low level of compatibility. This is true both for which computers it supports and which Android apps can be used with it.

The first public preview only offered full support for about 50 Android apps. What's more, a large number of users will experience nothing but a black screen even when just trying to launch the subsystem. This is, again, due to the fact that the subsystem is still in active development.

The subsystem was first rolled out as part of the Windows Insider Program. This program gives users a chance to try out new features before they're officially incorporated into Windows. This release is primarily significant for people within the Windows Insider Program as it highlights the fact that they'll receive continued updates as a full release inches closer.

The closer Microsoft comes to a full release the greater the subsystem's compatibility will become. At the moment most users will probably see little more than a black screen when trying to use the Windows Subsystem for Android. But there are a few methods to increase the chances of it working on any given system. The most important step is to ensure virtualization is enabled on your computer's CPU. This is what makes Windows able to easily leverage the virtualized Android environment. Next, it's important to keep in mind that the subsystem is only designed for Windows 11. Earlier versions of Windows won't be able to successfully run this subsystem.

In addition to the officially supported apps, users can also directly install Android apk files. This process is known as sideloading. It's important to keep in mind that sideloading isn't officially supported by the Windows Subsystem for Android. The low number of officially supported Android apps is due to the fact that the subsystem isn't ready for a full release yet. As such, users may be able to sideload any given Android app. But the chances of any app other than those which have official support is fairly low.

Apps that do run can be controlled by a unique variant of Android's standard touchscreen interface. You can essentially use the mouse for anything that would involve tapping the touchscreen. The right mouse button simulates touching somewhere within an app. And if the right mouse button is held down while moving the mouse it simulates swiping within the app.

Pros

• Works as a proof of concept for future development
• Offers initial support for a subset of Android apps
• Gives users a way to test how well their system will handle the official release

Cons

• Extremely limited selection of compatible Android apps
• Low level of compatibility means many users won't see anything other than a black screen
• It's difficult to sideload unsupported apps