Learning how to run Android apps on Windows 11 can be useful when you want to use a mobile app on a larger screen, play supported Android games with a keyboard and mouse, or keep certain mobile experiences alongside your Windows programs.
There is one important update to know before following older tutorials: Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) and the Amazon Appstore are no longer available in the Microsoft Store as of March 5, 2025. Microsoft therefore no longer provides WSA as the normal installation method for new Windows 11 users.
So, how do you run Android apps on Windows 11 now?
The answer depends on the type of Android app you want to use. For supported mobile games, Google Play Games on PC is an official option. For broader Android-app compatibility, an Android emulator can provide a virtual Android environment inside Windows.
This guide explains your options, how to prepare Windows 11, how to install an Android emulator safely, how to run compatible games through Google Play Games, and what happened to Microsoft’s old Android solution.
Can Windows 11 Run Android Apps?
Yes, but the method matters.
Windows 11 no longer has Microsoft’s former WSA/Amazon Appstore installation path for new users. Microsoft states that Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore stopped being available through the Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025.
Today, your main choices are:
- Google Play Games on PC for supported Android games
- A reputable Android emulator for broader app compatibility
- A web version of an app when the developer provides one
- A Windows version of the application when available
There isn’t one universal method that works for every Android application.
What Happened to Windows Subsystem for Android?
Windows Subsystem for Android was Microsoft’s built-in solution for running Android apps on Windows 11.
It worked with the Amazon Appstore and allowed supported Android applications to run in a Windows environment.
However, Microsoft ended availability of WSA and the Amazon Appstore through the Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025.
That means many older tutorials that begin with instructions such as “install Amazon Appstore from Microsoft Store” are now outdated for new installations.
If you already have an older WSA installation, its situation can differ from a fresh Windows 11 installation. For a new PC, however, you should use one of the currently supported alternatives.
Which Method Should You Use?
Your choice depends on what you’re trying to run.
| Method | Best For | Android Apps | Android Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Games on PC | Supported mobile games | Limited | Yes |
| Android emulator | Broader Android compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Web version | Apps with browser support | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Windows version | Apps with native Windows software | No Android version needed | Sometimes |
If you’re specifically interested in Android games available through Google’s PC catalog, Google Play Games is worth trying first.
If you need a particular Android application rather than a supported game, an Android emulator may be more appropriate.
Check Your Windows 11 PC First
Before installing anything, make sure your computer has enough resources.
Check:
- Windows version
- Processor
- RAM
- Available storage
- Virtualization support
- Graphics capabilities
Android environments can use a noticeable amount of system memory and processor resources.
A newer computer will generally provide a smoother experience.
How to Check Your RAM in Windows 11
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager.
Select:
Performance → Memory
You’ll see the amount of RAM installed in your computer.
More memory can be helpful when you’re running an Android environment alongside Windows applications.
How to Check Your Processor
Open:
Settings → System → About
Look for the processor information.
You can also open Task Manager and select:
Performance → CPU
This shows information about your processor and its current activity.
How to Check Available Storage
Open:
Settings → System → Storage
Check how much free space is available on your main drive.
Android environments and their applications require storage, so avoid installing them when your drive is almost completely full.
What Is Hardware Virtualization?
Hardware virtualization allows software to create virtual computing environments that can run alongside your normal Windows installation.
Android emulators commonly rely on virtualization technologies to improve performance.
The exact virtualization technology available depends on your processor and PC configuration.
How to Check Virtualization in Windows 11
Open:
Task Manager → Performance → CPU
Look for the Virtualization entry.
If it says Enabled, virtualization is already active.
If it says Disabled, you may need to enable the relevant virtualization setting in your computer’s UEFI/BIOS firmware.
The exact setting name varies by processor and motherboard.
How to Run Android Games With Google Play Games
If the Android application you’re interested in is a supported game, Google Play Games on PC is one of the most straightforward official options.
Google says Google Play Games on PC allows supported mobile games to run on Windows computers with keyboard and mouse support, and compatible games can synchronize progress between supported devices.
Check Compatibility
Before installing Google Play Games, make sure your computer meets its requirements.
Google currently lists requirements including:
- Windows 10 version 2004 or later
- SSD storage
- At least 8 GB RAM
- A compatible graphics processor
- A processor with at least four physical cores
- A Windows administrator account
- Hardware virtualization enabled
Because you’re using Windows 11, the operating-system requirement itself shouldn’t be the issue on a properly updated Windows 11 PC.
Download Google Play Games
Use Google’s official Google Play Games on PC installation page.
Select the download option and open the installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Google notes that the installer checks whether your PC meets the minimum requirements.
Enable Required Virtualization Features
During installation, Google Play Games may ask you to enable Windows Hypervisor Platform.
Some games also require CPU virtualization to be enabled.
If Windows Hypervisor Platform needs to be enabled, follow the installation prompt and restart the computer when Windows asks you to do so.
Sign In
Open Google Play Games after installation.
Sign in with your Google account.
If you also play the supported game on another device, using the same account can allow supported progress synchronization.
Find a Game
Browse or search the Google Play Games catalog.
Not every Android game is available.
Google uses compatibility categories to indicate how games are expected to perform on Windows.
Install the Game
Select a compatible game and choose the installation option.
Wait for the game to download.
Once installation finishes, select the game to launch it.
Why Google Play Games Doesn’t Run Every Android App
Google Play Games on PC is primarily designed for Android games rather than being a general Android-app environment.
That means you shouldn’t expect every Android application to appear in its catalog.
For example, if you’re trying to run a particular productivity or social application, Google Play Games may not be the right solution.
In that situation, an Android emulator may be a better fit.
How to Run Android Apps With an Emulator
An Android emulator creates a virtual Android environment that runs inside Windows.
Instead of Windows directly running an Android APK as if it were a normal Windows program, the emulator provides the Android environment needed by the application.
The general process is:
- Choose a reputable emulator.
- Download it from the developer’s official website.
- Install it on Windows 11.
- Allow required virtualization features.
- Start the Android environment.
- Sign in if the emulator requires an account.
- Install compatible applications through the emulator’s supported app source.
- Launch the application.
The exact menus and requirements vary between emulator products, so always follow the documentation supplied with the specific software you’re using.
Why Use an Android Emulator?
An emulator can be useful when you need more than Android gaming.
Depending on the emulator and application, you may be able to use:
- Android applications
- Mobile games
- Keyboard input
- Mouse input
- Larger-screen layouts
- Multiple Android environments
- File sharing between Windows and Android
However, compatibility varies.
An app that works perfectly on an Android phone may behave differently in an emulator.
How to Install an Android Emulator
The safest approach is to download emulator software directly from its developer.
Avoid random download sites offering modified installers.
After downloading the installer:
- Close unnecessary applications.
- Open the installer.
- Review the installation options.
- Follow the setup wizard.
- Allow Windows to complete any required configuration.
- Restart your PC if requested.
- Open the emulator.
Do not install software simply because a website claims it is required to make Android apps work.
How to Install an Android App Inside an Emulator
Once the emulator is running, the process depends on the emulator.
Many Android environments provide an application store or another supported method for installing applications.
The general process is:
- Open the Android environment.
- Open its supported app store or application manager.
- Search for the application.
- Select the application.
- Choose Install.
- Wait for installation to finish.
- Open the application.
Use legitimate application sources whenever possible.
What Is an APK?
An APK is an Android application package.
It’s roughly comparable to an installer package for an Android application.
Some Android environments support installing APK files manually.
However, manually installing APKs requires extra caution because an APK downloaded from an unknown website could contain unwanted or malicious software.
For beginners, using a trusted application source inside the Android environment is generally the simpler approach.
Should You Install APK Files Manually?
Only do this when you understand where the file came from and why you need it.
Don’t assume that an APK is safe simply because the filename looks familiar.
Before manually installing an Android application package, consider:
- Who published it?
- Where did you download it?
- Does the developer provide the file?
- Is the file intended for your Android environment?
- Does the application require unusual permissions?
If you aren’t sure, use an official or trusted application source instead.
How to Use Android Apps With a Keyboard and Mouse
Android apps are designed primarily for touchscreens, while Windows PCs typically use a keyboard and mouse.
An emulator can translate many mouse and keyboard actions into Android input.
However, the experience depends on the application.
A game designed around touch gestures may not feel exactly the same with a mouse.
Some applications may also display differently on a larger screen.
How to Resize an Android App Window
Many Android environments let you resize their window just like other Windows applications.
Drag the edge or corner of the emulator window.
However, some apps have fixed layouts or may not respond perfectly to unusual window sizes.
If an app looks distorted, try returning to a standard window size.
How to Fix Android Apps Running Slowly
If an Android app feels sluggish, try these steps.
Close Unnecessary Windows
Close applications you aren’t using.
This frees CPU and memory resources for the Android environment.
Check RAM Usage
Open:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Performance → Memory
If memory usage is consistently very high, close unnecessary applications.
Check CPU Usage
Task Manager can show whether another program is consuming most of your processor resources.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can affect applications that rely on hardware acceleration.
Check for drivers from your computer or graphics hardware manufacturer.
Enable Virtualization
If virtualization is disabled, an emulator may not perform as expected.
Check:
Task Manager → Performance → CPU
and verify the virtualization status.
How to Fix an Android Emulator That Won’t Start
If the emulator doesn’t open, start with basic troubleshooting.
Restart Windows.
Then check:
- Virtualization status
- Available RAM
- Available storage
- Windows updates
- Graphics drivers
- Emulator requirements
- Conflicting virtualization software
Some virtualization products can conflict with other hypervisor-based applications.
Change only the settings you understand, and use the emulator developer’s troubleshooting instructions when needed.
How to Fix Google Play Games Installation Problems
Google recommends checking the requirements first if Google Play Games won’t install.
If Windows Hypervisor Platform is requested, enable it and restart the computer.
Google also recommends uninstalling and reinstalling Google Play Games when installation problems persist.
Make sure Windows is updated before trying again.
Does Running Android Apps Slow Down Windows 11?
It can, particularly on computers with limited RAM or older processors.
An Android emulator essentially adds another computing environment on top of Windows.
If your PC has plenty of memory and a capable processor, the impact may be modest.
If your computer already struggles with everyday Windows applications, running an emulator at the same time may make the system feel noticeably slower.
Can You Run Android Apps Without an Emulator?
For general Android applications, Windows 11 doesn’t provide a current built-in WSA installation path for new users.
Microsoft ended availability of WSA and the Amazon Appstore through the Microsoft Store in March 2025.
However, you may not need an emulator if the developer offers:
- A native Windows application
- A web application
- A progressive web app
- A supported PC version
Always check whether a Windows version exists before installing an Android environment.
What About the Amazon Appstore?
The Amazon Appstore was previously Microsoft’s distribution method for Android apps through Windows Subsystem for Android.
Microsoft now states that both the Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android are no longer available in the Microsoft Store starting March 5, 2025.
Therefore, current Windows 11 users shouldn’t follow old tutorials that instruct them to install the Amazon Appstore as a new Android-app solution.
Is Google Play Games the Same as an Android Emulator?
No.
Google Play Games on PC is a Google service designed specifically for supported Android games.
An Android emulator provides a more general Android environment.
Think of Google Play Games as a dedicated gaming platform, while an emulator is closer to creating a virtual Android device inside Windows.
Which Option Is Best for Beginners?
If you only want to play supported Android games, start with Google Play Games on PC.
If you want to experiment with a wider range of Android applications, a reputable emulator may be more appropriate.
If the application has a Windows or web version, that’s often worth considering first because it avoids the additional overhead of an Android environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows 11 run Android apps?
Yes, Android applications can still be used on Windows 11 through alternatives such as Android emulators, while supported Android games can be played through Google Play Games on PC. Microsoft’s former Windows Subsystem for Android is no longer available for new installations through the Microsoft Store.
Is Windows Subsystem for Android still available?
Microsoft states that Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore stopped being available in the Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025.
Can I play Android games on Windows 11?
Yes. Google Play Games on PC supports a catalog of compatible Android games. Your computer must meet Google’s requirements, and hardware virtualization must be enabled.
Can I install any Android app on Windows 11?
No. Compatibility depends on the method you’re using. Google Play Games focuses on supported games, while an Android emulator can support a broader selection of applications, but individual apps may still have compatibility limitations.
Do I need virtualization to run Android apps?
Many Android emulators and Google Play Games rely on virtualization for their environment and performance. Google specifically lists hardware virtualization as a requirement for Google Play Games on PC.
Conclusion
Learning how to run Android apps on Windows 11 requires a slightly different approach than older tutorials might suggest. Microsoft’s Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore are no longer available through the Microsoft Store for new installations as of March 5, 2025.
For supported Android games, Google Play Games on PC is an official option with its own compatibility checks and hardware requirements. For broader Android-app support, a reputable emulator can provide a virtual Android environment within Windows.
Before installing anything, check your PC’s RAM, storage, processor, graphics hardware, and virtualization settings. Most importantly, download software from official or trustworthy sources and avoid random modified installers or APK files.
Once you choose the method that matches your needs, running compatible Android experiences on a Windows 11 PC can be fairly straightforward.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 no longer offers Microsoft’s former WSA installation path for new users.
- Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore became unavailable in the Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025.
- Google Play Games on PC is designed for supported Android games.
- Android emulators can provide broader Android-app compatibility.
- Check your PC’s RAM, storage, CPU, and graphics hardware first.
- Hardware virtualization is important for many Android environments.
- Google Play Games currently requires hardware virtualization.
- Keep Windows and graphics drivers updated.
- Download Android software from trustworthy sources.
- Be cautious when manually installing APK files.
- A native Windows or web version of an app may be a better choice when available.
- Don’t follow outdated tutorials that tell new Windows 11 users to install WSA from the Microsoft Store.