Android subsystem in Windows 11, bringing an unexpected end to a feature that was initially anticipated to bridge the gap between Windows and Android ecosystems. The decision marks a significant shift from Microsoft’s earlier strategy, as the company had introduced the concept of running Android apps on Windows 11 nearly three years ago in collaboration with Amazon’s Appstore. However, the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is now slated for deprecation, with support officially ending on March 5th, 2025.
In a support document released by Microsoft, the company clarified its decision, stating that the discontinuation of WSA would render the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all associated applications and games unsupported after the specified date. While existing users will retain access to Android apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore beyond the support cutoff, they will no longer be able to acquire new apps once the Android subsystem reaches its end of life.
Starting March 6th, Windows 11 users will no longer be able to search for the Amazon Appstore or its affiliated Android apps through the Microsoft Store, signaling a swift change in the availability of these applications on the platform. This abrupt decision comes as a surprise, particularly considering Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance and update the Windows Subsystem for Android in recent years.
Amazon has pledged to collaborate with Microsoft to ensure a seamless transition for developers and customers using the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11. While developers will no longer be able to submit new apps targeting Windows 11 after March 5, 2024, they will have the opportunity to continue submitting updates for existing apps until the complete discontinuation of the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11.
Initially positioned as a response to Apple’s integration of iOS apps on macOS through its M1 chips, Microsoft’s venture into running Android apps on Windows 11 was seen as a potential game-changer. However, the absence of official access to Google’s Play Store hindered the user experience, contributing to the decision to discontinue the Android subsystem altogether.