Just a few weeks ago, Windows Subsystem for Android appeared in the Microsoft Store, though it did nothing for people who downloaded it. Now, as Microsoft leakster WalkingCat spotted, the other piece of the Android app puzzle has arrived. The Amazon Appstore listing in the Microsoft Store has appeared.
Amazon app store https://t.co/mryFYtdrT9 pic.twitter.com/xxBM1Ey5Dx
– Walking cat (@_h0x0d_) September 17, 2021
When Microsoft first announced Windows 11 in June, it announced that the operating system would support Android apps. But when the firm announced the OS release date, it confirmed that Android support had been delayed. But while the general public will likely wait until next year, Microsoft and Amazon have stuck with the idea that insiders will get it this year.
Here’s how it will work. Android apps on Windows 11 will use the Windows Subsystem for Android. That’s all you need, like any other app, you can install an APK from anywhere. However, there will also be an Amazon Appstore integration with the Microsoft Store. Once you download an app from this list, it will direct you to the actual Amazon Appstore, which is from the list linked above, and you will get the app from there.
Support for the Amazon Appstore is part of a larger initiative by Microsoft to make third-party app stores first-class citizens on Windows. It’s just that this one happens to be the partner to bring Android app support to Windows 11. The Redmond firm has made it clear that we may see other app stores integrate with the Microsoft Store. in the same way.
From now on you will have to use a code to download the Amazon Appstore from the list. It wouldn’t even work if you didn’t have Windows Subsystem for Android. Just like on the Windows Subsystem for Android list discovered two weeks ago, the minimum system requirements are Windows 11 build 220000 or higher and an ARM, Intel, or AMD processor. It says it’s supported by 32-bit processors, but that probably makes them 32-bit versions, because 32-bit versions of Windows no longer exist.
Today’s news just means we’re getting closer to public testing. The official word at the end of August is still that it will arrive in the coming months.
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