Microsoft tried for years to offer an alternative for Android and iOS with its Windows Phone. Although Windows Phone managed to conquer some fans across the world for its unique visuals and features, Microsoft decided to ultimately bury all the investment made in the OS. Instead of fighting them, the company decided to “join” them or to be more precise to put itself into these OS. Nowadays, the company offers some of its apps and services in Android and to attract Android users to its ecosystem is offering Android app compatibility on Windows 11.
With the most recent updates to Windows 11, Microsoft finally allows non-developers to install Android apps on their computers. Since Google Play Store can’t be installed on Windows 11, the process of installing Android apps happens thanks to a partnership with Amazon Appstore. To install Android apps, you will need to set up a Windows Subsystem for Android, if it’s not already available on your PC. The next step is to install the Amazon Appstore app and enable virtualization. In this guide, we will teach you how to install Android apps on your Windows 11 PC. This is quite useful if you’re a power PC user and aren’t happy with the web versions of certain applications.
How to install Android apps on Windows 11
To install Android apps on Windows 11, you will need Amazon App Store and the Windows Subsystem. You should already have the Windows Subsystem for Android if you’re running one of the latest Windows 11 updates. But in case you don’t, you can re-download it from Microsoft Store. Have in mind that it may not be compatible with your device if you’re running Windows 11 unofficially. Re-download it from the Microsoft Store.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store by using the Windows + S keys and searching for “Microsoft Store.”
Step 2: Search for “Amazon Appstore” and select the app. If does not shows up for you, your device may not be compatible.
Step 3: Select Get.
Step 4: Perhaps at this point yo will need to enable virtualization on your PC. Windows 11 can do this automatically, as well as set up the Windows Subsystem for Android if you don’t have it installed. You will see a prompt, select Set up >> Download >> Next >> Restart. Follow the prompts from Microsoft Store. You will need to re-start your computer.
Step 5: Once your PC completes the restart, the Windows Subsystem for Android will appear and then the Amazon Appstore app will open automatically afterward.
Step 6: Sign into your Amazon account (or create a new one). Start downloading Android apps on Windows.
It is worth noting that you’re restricted to the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11. Some apps may not be available from there. However, there is still a long list of applications that you can download from the app. For example, TikTok is a possibility here. If you want to explore outside of Amazon App Store, it’s also possible to sideload Android apps on Windows 11. However, these aren’t supported and you will need to proceed at your own risk.
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