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NewApp Digest
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WSA

Microsoft removed this feature from Windows, and it's time to bring it back
Winsage
June 24, 2025

Microsoft removed this feature from Windows, and it’s time to bring it back

Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was introduced during the Windows 10 era to allow users to run Android applications on their PCs but was removed in Windows 11. Despite Microsoft's withdrawal, there remains a strong demand for Android app capabilities on Windows, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Bluestacks and Google's Google Play Games app for Windows. The initial implementation of WSA faced criticism due to poor execution and limited geographic availability, which hindered user access. Users had to navigate through the Microsoft Store to install the Amazon Appstore, complicating the process. The partnership with Amazon restricted the range of available applications, leading to user frustration, as many popular apps required Google services. Performance issues also affected WSA, with users facing resource consumption trade-offs. Microsoft's adjustments to allow some Android services to run in the background were a step forward, but the initial setup could have been more efficient. The discontinuation of WSA left many users puzzled, and there is hope for its reintroduction with improvements in the future.
Windows is about to lose support for Android apps
AppWizard
February 25, 2025

Windows is about to lose support for Android apps

Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), effective March 5, which will result in the loss of access to installed Android apps. To ensure user security until the closure, Microsoft released a final set of security updates for WSA. Users seeking to continue using Android applications on Windows can consider third-party solutions, such as the Bluestacks emulator.
One Play Store rival fewer: Amazon shutters its Android app store
AppWizard
February 24, 2025

One Play Store rival fewer: Amazon shutters its Android app store

Amazon will close its app store for Android devices on August 20, after which users will not be able to access the platform or guarantee the functionality of previously downloaded apps. The app store will remain operational for devices running on Fire OS, such as Fire TV and Fire tablets. Additionally, Amazon's Appstore will be removed from the Microsoft Store on March 5, coinciding with the discontinuation of support for the Windows Subsystem for Android. Users are advised to cancel app subscriptions and seek alternatives like Google's Play Store and others. Amazon Coins will also be discontinued on August 20, but users can use existing Coins until then, with refunds for any unused Coins to be provided later.
Amazon pulls the plug on its Android app store that you never used anyway
AppWizard
February 20, 2025

Amazon pulls the plug on its Android app store that you never used anyway

The Amazon Appstore will close for Android devices on August 20, 2025, ending access to its applications for those users. After this date, downloaded apps may not function on Android devices. However, the Appstore will still be available on Amazon Fire devices. Developers will be unable to submit new apps for Android but can update existing ones until the closure. The Amazon Coins program will also end on the same date, with users needing to use any remaining Coins by then. This decision follows a similar shutdown of Appstore support on Windows, indicating Amazon's shift away from the Android platform while maintaining focus on its Fire-branded devices.
PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and other mobile games are here for Windows 11's Microsoft Store — here's why you can't play them
Winsage
November 14, 2024

PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and other mobile games are here for Windows 11’s Microsoft Store — here’s why you can’t play them

Several popular mobile games, including PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and REDnote, are now available to Windows Insiders in China due to a collaboration between Microsoft and Tencent. This access is limited to users in China, as Microsoft plans to discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 11 by March 5, 2025. Giorgio Sardo, Microsoft’s General Manager of Apps, highlighted the benefits of this partnership for mobile developers in China. The decision to end WSA was influenced by its lack of profitability, as noted by Andrew Clinick, a Microsoft veteran. WSA's integration of Android apps did not gain significant traction, partly due to the absence of Google Play services, which limited functionality for users.
Users beg for Windows 11 to keep its ability to run Android apps
AppWizard
November 8, 2024

Users beg for Windows 11 to keep its ability to run Android apps

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), initially introduced with Windows 11 in 2021 and released in 2022. The Amazon Appstore and all associated apps and games will cease to function by March 5, 2025. Users can continue to use the Amazon Appstore and Android applications until the deprecation date of March 5, 2024. The decision has led to significant backlash from users, with many expressing concerns about the lack of alternatives for popular applications on Windows and the importance of WSA for testing Android applications. Some users have chosen devices like the Surface Pro specifically for the ability to run Android apps. Microsoft has indicated that it does not derive significant revenue from WSA, making it unlikely to reverse its decision.
"Don't kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11" is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?
Winsage
November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.
Developer forced to fix Android apps on Snapdragon laptops after Microsoft's refusal to do something
AppWizard
July 25, 2024

Developer forced to fix Android apps on Snapdragon laptops after Microsoft’s refusal to do something

- Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Android does not work on newer Snapdragon hardware due to architecture differences. - Developer Jeremy Sinclair has created a workaround to get Android apps running on the new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon. - Microsoft does not plan to issue a fix for the issue, so Sinclair and other community members have stepped in to create custom WSA images. - The process of implementing the unofficial solution involves modifying protected system files and directories. - Third-party Android emulators like BlueStacks could be used as an alternative to run Android apps on Windows.
Someone fixed the Windows Subsystem for Android because Microsoft refuses to — here's how you can do it
Winsage
July 23, 2024

Someone fixed the Windows Subsystem for Android because Microsoft refuses to — here’s how you can do it

The Windows Subsystem for Android typically isn't enabled out of the box. To enable it, you need to turn on the 'Virtual Machine Platform' and 'Windows Subsystem for Linux' features, as well as enable 'Developer Mode' in the settings. Additionally, you need to download WSA Patched from GitHub, create a new folder on your PC, copy certain files, uninstall WSA using PowerShell, and register your folder as the new WSA installation.
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