Back in October of 2021, Microsoft introduced Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), a feature with a somewhat confusing name that allowed Windows 11 to support Android apps. Surprisingly, this feature was compatible with both x86-64 and ARM processors, despite the majority of Android devices running on ARM architecture nowadays.
However, WSA is set to lose support next year. The Microsoft Learn page has been updated to reflect that WSA will no longer be supported from March 5, 2025. Users can still install and use apps from the Amazon App Store until that date and even receive support if they encounter any issues.
Speculations suggest that there might be a community effort to revive the feature in the future, as some developers have already managed to install and run the Google Play Store on Windows, even though it’s not officially endorsed.
One possible reason for the demise of WSA could be the dominance of the Play Store, which acts as a key barrier for Android devices. While Android itself is open source, devices without access to the Play Store often struggle to gain consumer adoption.
Windows Subsystem for Android
As for Phone Link, there have been no announcements regarding changes to this feature. Users will still be able to access Android apps from their Windows device, but the apps will run on the phone and stream to the PC. However, only specific phones from certain brands support this functionality (you can find the list here).
Google also has its own initiative for running Android software on PCs through Google Play Games. While primarily aimed at gaming, this platform can also support regular apps. Additionally, there are third-party applications available that allow users to run Android software on Windows and Linux.
If you’ve used the Windows Subsystem for Android, we’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
