The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in Windows 11 enables native Android app execution by integrating AOSP components with the Windows kernel and leveraging hardware-based virtualization. It creates a lightweight container for Android processes, ensuring efficient performance without relying on third-party emulators.
Access to Android apps is facilitated through the Amazon Appstore, which is installed alongside WSA from the Microsoft Store. Alternatively, users can sideload APK files to expand app selection, utilizing a secure environment that takes advantage of Windows resource and memory management features.
WSA relies on BIOS-level virtualization support to function properly. Once enabled, Windows 11 provides a seamless framework for running Android applications without additional software layers or complex setup processes.
Steps to install Android apps on Windows 11 using WSA:
- Open Task Manager and check if virtualization is enabled under the Performance tab.
In the CPU section, look for Virtualization. If it says Enabled, proceed. Otherwise, enable it in BIOS.
- Open the Windows Features dialog, ensure Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform are selected, then click OK.
- Restart your PC, enter BIOS, and enable virtualization.
Use Del, F2, or Esc to access BIOS during startup. The exact key depends on your hardware manufacturer.
- On Windows 11, open the Microsoft Store and search for Amazon Appstore.
- Click Install to download and install both the Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).
- Launch the Amazon Appstore and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Install any available Android app by clicking Get.
- Open installed apps from the Start menu like native Windows apps.
- Enable Developer Mode in the Windows Subsystem for Android settings to sideload APK files.
Toggle Developer Mode in the WSA settings under Manage Developer Settings.
- Use the Android SDK Platform Tools to sideload APK files through ADB.
$ adb connect <WSA-IP-address> $ adb install <path-to-apk> Performing Streamed Install Success
You can find the WSA IP address in the settings under Manage Developer Settings.
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.
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