Back in 2021, when Windows 11 was first announced, a new feature called Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was introduced. This feature allowed users to run Android apps directly on their Windows 11 PCs. However, on March 5, 2024, Microsoft made the decision to deprecate WSA, meaning that the Amazon Appstore along with all its apps and games will no longer work on Windows 11 after March 5, 2025. Users who currently have the Amazon Appstore or Android apps installed on their Windows 11 PCs using WSA will still be able to use them until the deprecation date.
The announcement of WSA’s deprecation has sparked a wave of criticism from users on Microsoft’s Feedback Hub. Many users are expressing their disappointment and are urging Microsoft to reconsider their decision. They are hopeful that some form of Android app support will continue on Windows 11:
“I rely on WSA to test my Android apps in a Production environment. Please don’t take this feature away.”
“It’s frustrating to invest time in using a feature that is suddenly being removed without any improvements. Just let us keep using WSA.”
Some users have pointed out that certain key Android apps do not have proper equivalents on Windows or are lacking in features compared to their Android versions. For instance, the Android version of Apple Music is considered superior to the Windows version by many users. Some individuals have even chosen to purchase a Surface Pro over other tablet models specifically for its ability to run Android apps:
“I switched to a Surface Pro because of its support for Android apps. Please continue to work on WSA as it is essential for my work.”
Despite the outcry from users, it is unlikely that Microsoft will reverse its decision to deprecate WSA. This is because the company does not generate revenue from WSA in its current state.
It is clear that the deprecation of WSA has left many users disappointed and frustrated. The ability to run Android apps on Windows 11 was a valuable feature for many, and its removal will have a significant impact on how users interact with their devices. As the deprecation date approaches, users will need to find alternative solutions for running Android apps on their Windows 11 PCs.
