Security News > 2022 > February > Windows 11's Android apps feature now available in the US
The public preview for the Android apps for Windows 11 is now live in the US, allowing users to run Android apps natively on the Windows desktop.
The feature relies on a new platform called Windows Subsystem for Android that runs Android apps in a virtual machine to provide compatibility with the Android Open Source Project and hardware input devices.
While Microsoft only officially supports apps installed from the Amazon App Store, developers and power users have already created ways to install the Google Play Store and different methods to sideload apps in Windows 11.
In addition to the Android apps on Windows 11 feature, Microsoft is also releasing redesigned versions of Notepad and the Windows Media Player.
"As today's release shows, we're committed to delivering experiences into Windows 11 that enrich and inspire people's lives. Overtime, you'll see us release new features into Windows 11 for end users more frequently in addition to our annual update," Microsoft promised in today's announcement.
Microsoft will now utilize newer update methods called Windows Feature Experience Pack and Web Experience Pack to install or modify Windows 11 features outside of Patch Tuesday updates and the annual feature update.