What you need to know
- Microsoft announced the first preview of Android apps on Windows 11.
- Android app support is now available for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel running Windows 11.
- Only 50 Android apps are available for testing on Windows 11 at the moment.
Windows 11 now has preview support for Android apps. The feature is rolling out in testing to Insiders in the Beta Channel. Microsoft's blog post on Android app support explains that the feature works with eligible devices running Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm processors.
Android app support did not launch with the initial release of Windows 11, causing some disappointment. Now, Windows Insiders can test out Android apps on Windows 11 PCs. Android apps run side-by-side with Windows apps and support features like Snap Layouts. You can also pin them to the Start menu or Taskbar.
Microsoft outlines five requirements to get started:
- Your PC needs to be on Windows 11 (Build 22000.xxx series builds) and meet these hardware requirements.
- You may need to enable virtualization for your PC's BIOS/UEFI. Click here for a guide on how to enable this on your PC.
- Your PCs' region must be set to the U.S.
- Your PC must be in the Beta Channel. If you are new to the Windows Insider Program, click here to get started with registration and joining your PC to the Beta Channel.
- You will also need to have a [U.S.-based] Amazon account to use the Amazon Appstore.
Only 50 Android apps are available for testing for Windows Insiders at the moment. Microsoft explains that it worked with Amazon and popular app developers to curate this list. More apps will come out for testing in the coming months.
Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel will not receive preview support for Android apps today. The Dev Channel is on a new development cycle that "isn't matched to what is released to the general public," according to Microsoft. The company explains that Android app support will arrive for Dev Channel Insiders "down the road."
