Here's why Windows 11 is dropping Android apps

Microsoft's Subsystem for Windows 11 not only allows it to run Android apps on PCs but also grants access to Amazon Appstore

Alexander Lewis - Mar 08, 2024

An undated image displaying Windows 11 being downloaded. — Pixabay

The Redmond-based tech giant Microsoft announced earlier this week that soon it plans to bid farewell to Android apps from Windows 11.

While the landscape is mulling over the factors behind the move that prompted Microsoft to make its Subsystem that backed Android apps incompatible, we've dug out the actual reason at play.

Android apps won't run on Windows 11

Microsoft's Subsystem for Windows 11 not only allows it to run Android apps on PCs but also grants access to the Amazon Appstore to easily download apps.

While the concept possessed massive potential to transform the way Windows operating system was utilised, it remained undermined by users in wake of the the restrictions of the Amazon Appstore. This indicates that the reason behind the feature detaching from Windows 11 was lack of use.

Why Windows 11 is ditching Android apps?

A Microsoft employee on X (formerly Twitter) revealed details as to why Windows 11 Subsystem for Android is being ceased, which hint at the hardware being something potentially bothersome for the company to make the decision.

As the Windows Subsystem for Android is just a functional element of the operating system, it had a toll on the company as it deployed Microsoft's workforce to oversee the systems, which means that the salaries for the staff were generated through the Amazon Appstore, and lack of apps on the store played crucially in diminishing the income for the company, and ultimately the drop of the feature.

It’s also disclosed by the Microsoft employee that the company was willing to make Google offer apps to Windows, which might have been a value-adding development for Microsoft users, but, unfortunately, all of that was to no avail.

Will Windows 11 support Android apps again?

It doesn’t seem that Microsoft will not give this another shot, but the odds are likely minimal at best. The feature itself was handy, but considering it was not generating any revenue for the company, let's believe that it won't be offered again.