When Windows 11 was formally announced earlier this year, access to Android apps was an eye-catching addition to Microsoft’s OS, but by late summer, the company cautioned that it would not be included at launch. This week, however, Microsoft released a preview version of Android app compatibility to beta testers.
If you’re a Windows Insider, you should be able to install the latest build version of the Windows 11 beta and get started using Android apps natively in Windows—the 50 that are currently available, anyway. Here’s how to set it up on your Windows 11 PC.
Install and Update Windows 11 Beta
Before you can get started, your PC must, of course, be able to run Windows 11. If you aren’t sure about your device’s eligibility, Microsoft has a tool that will check for you. Android apps are also only compatible with computers that have an Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm processor inside. Once these requirements are met, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
In order to get the beta version that has the Android app preview, you should then sign up for the Windows Insider program, making sure to subscribe to either the Dev Channel or Beta Channel to get all the latest features. Once you are set up, make sure Windows is up to date from Settings > Windows Update.
US users will need to make sure the Windows 11 Build 22000.xxx. Series update is installed. Only then will the Amazon Appstore be available to download and install.
Install Windows Subsystem for Android
Once your OS is updated, open the Microsoft Store and search for “Amazon Appstore.” Select the entry and click Install, then click Set Up.
You will then be prompted to download the Windows Subsystem for Android. Click Download, then wait for the feature to install. Once it has finished, click Next, then Restart to restart your computer. When the PC boots back up, the Amazon Appstore should be installed.
Set Up the Amazon Appstore
You can find the Amazon Appstore in the Windows 11 App List. Click the Start button > All Apps > Amazon Appstore. You are then prompted to sign in with your Amazon account before you can access the storefront. Once you are signed in, the Amazon Appstore is available to browse and install Android apps.
Since the app is still in preview, there are only a handful of apps available to download at this time. However, you can search in the search bar or use any of the categories displayed in the store to look for something to install.
Install an Android App on Windows 11
As an example, we’re going to install the Amazon Kindle Android app. When it comes up in search, click the Get button to install it on to your computer. The app will be downloaded and act like any other Windows desktop app.
You can search for it in the App List. It can be minimized or made full screen, and the exact size of the app window can be adjusted to your needs. You can even multitask with Snap Layouts.
