The Windows 11 update is coming and it will bring Android apps to everyone
- The Microsoft Store will be getting some new features and updates which are expected to begin rolling out in February.
- More significantly, perhaps, Microsoft is adding native support for Android apps.
- Although this is not the first update since the release of the OS, it is considered a huge milestone.
The software giant has been gradually adding features to Windows 11 over the past few months, including an improved Start menu, an Action Center and better notifications.
That said, Microsoft revealed in an official blog post, written by Chief Product Officer Panos Panay, that the next major update will bring support for Android apps to Windows.
The Windows Store now Microsoft Store has been lacking in terms of apps that users resonate with or find useful but it seems that is all about to change.
Ever since the Microsoft Store got a revamp, the Redmond giant has been effortlessly working to bring more apps on board and working with third-party applications.
Android support
Microsoft had announced that native support for Android apps was coming in 2022 and it looks like the time is now.
For now, the app support is limited to a section of Windows Insiders members. It’s worth pointing out that Windows 11 already supports Android apps that are currently limited to the Amazon AppStore, but this is more comprehensive.
Perhaps most importantly, it means the feature will be available on regular Windows PCs and tablets too, not just those running Windows 11.
The Amazon Appstore doesn’t have nearly as many apps like the Google Play Store, but you’ll still find plenty of useful selections. In particular, games are largely well-supported by Amazon’s store.
But if you want access to any other app or game on Google Play, you’ll need to use a workaround such as Andyroid or BlueStacks.
While these work, they’re not officially supported by Microsoft and so may be less stable than the official options. However, it will enable users to run Android apps within Windows 11.
Small but significant changes.
These changes might not seem like a big deal at first – after all, plenty of other desktop operating systems already offer this kind of integration via their app stores – but Microsoft is taking things a step further by allowing Android apps to run in resizable windows just like regular PC software.
This will make it easier for people used to working with Android apps on other devices – such as phones or tablets – to get used to using them on their PC too, and should also make them feel more familiar.
In mid-2022, when the next major update launches, we could well be looking at an operating system that has truly come into its own – one that has shed much of its baggage and is ready to take on today’s computing challenges head-on.
At the same time, users are encouraged to take advantage as Microsoft is on its last phase of availability with Windows 11.
What do you think of Microsoft’s move to bring native Android support to PCs? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
