Microsoft to Discontinue Windows Subsystem for Android
March 5, 2023 | By John Smith | Bloomberg
Microsoft has announced that it will be ending support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on March 5, 2025. The feature, which was exclusive to Windows 11, allowed users to install and run Android apps on their Windows computers.
WSA was launched as a preview in 2021 and was later expanded to a wider audience by late 2022. It was Microsoft’s solution for integrating Android app capabilities onto Windows platforms. However, its discontinuation raises concerns about the future of Android apps on Windows devices.
One of the main advantages of WSA was that it provided a direct way to run Android apps on Windows, eliminating the need for third-party emulators. Despite partnering with Amazon for Appstore integration instead of Google Play, WSA faced challenges, including limited app availability through Amazon’s ecosystem.
For current WSA users, the announcement means that existing installations of the Amazon Appstore and Android apps will continue to function until the cutoff date. However, new submissions for these apps on the Microsoft Store will cease from March 6, 2024. Updates for existing apps will still be possible until the support officially ends in 2025. Users who wish to reinstall the Amazon Appstore can do so until the termination date.
Microsoft’s decision to end support for WSA may reflect a wider industry shift towards prioritizing different technological advancements, such as AI, rather than maintaining a wide array of app compatibilities. Despite its mixed success and reception, the discontinuation of WSA marks the end of an attempt to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop app ecosystems directly within the Windows operating environment.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the discontinuation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) may indicate Microsoft’s shift towards other technological advancements. The market for Android apps on Windows devices may face uncertainties, but users can continue to use existing installations and updates until 2025. This decision marks the end of Microsoft’s attempt to integrate mobile and desktop app ecosystems within Windows.
