How to Install and Use Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11

Microsoft officially partnered with Amazon to bring native Android application support directly to the Windows 11 desktop. Through a technology called the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), you can install, run, and manage Android apps exactly like standard Windows programs—complete with window resizing, taskbar pinning, and integration into the Start Menu.

System Requirements for WSA

Before beginning, ensure your PC meets the strict hardware requirements for emulation:

• RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB highly recommended).
• Processor: Intel Core i3 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 3000, or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c (or higher).
• Storage: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is mandatory.
• Virtualization: Hardware virtualization must be enabled in your motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI.

Step 1: Enable Virtual Machine Platform

WSA relies on Windows’ underlying virtualization features. You must enable this Windows feature before the subsystem can be installed.

1. Click the Start menu and type Turn Windows features on or off. Press Enter.
2. A small window with a checklist will appear. Scroll down the list.
3. Check the box next to Virtual Machine Platform.
4. Click OK. Windows will search for required files and apply the changes.
5. Click Restart now to reboot your PC and finalize the installation.

Step 2: Install the Amazon Appstore

Microsoft handles the installation of the Windows Subsystem for Android silently in the background when you install its primary storefront, the Amazon Appstore.

1. Open the Microsoft Store app from your taskbar or Start menu.
2. In the search bar at the top, type Amazon Appstore.
3. Select the official app published by Amazon and click Install.
4. A pop-up will appear outlining the setup process. Click Set up, follow the prompts, and click Restart if prompted again.

Step 3: Download and Run Android Apps

Once your computer restarts, the Android subsystem is fully active.

1. Open the Start menu and launch the Amazon Appstore.
2. You will be prompted to sign in with an Amazon account (a Prime membership is not required).
3. Browse the storefront or search for specific mobile games and applications.
4. Click Get or Install on any app.

Because WSA deeply integrates with Windows 11, the Android app will not open inside an emulator window. It will appear as a completely independent, resizable window on your desktop. You can even pin the Android app to your Windows taskbar or find it in your standard Start menu alongside your regular PC software.