In 2021, Windows 11 introduced the Subsystem for Android (WSA), a standout feature enabling users to install Android apps on Windows PCs without the need for third-party emulators. This feature was lauded for its ease of setup and eliminating the reliance on external software. However, in a surprising turn, Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of native support for WSA on March 5, 2025.
Following Microsoft’s decision, Amazon has announced the discontinuation of its Appstore on Windows 11, starting March 6, 2024. After this date, users will no longer be able to access the Amazon Appstore or search for its apps on Windows 11. However, users who already have Amazon Appstore apps installed will continue to receive support for them until the platform is fully discontinued.
Amazon has also announced that developers of these Android apps will not be able to submit updates after March 5, 2024. However, until the platform is fully discontinued, updates can still be rolled out for apps already installed on Windows 11 systems. Microsoft stated that,
“Customers who installed the Amazon Appstore or Android apps before March 5, 2024, will retain access to those apps until the deprecation date of March 5, 2025.”
If you’re one of the few users with apps from the Amazon Appstore on your Windows 11 system, get ready.
However, I find Microsoft’s decision quite puzzling. Why would they abandon a feature they’ve been actively promoting since Windows 11’s launch? I also don’t understand why the feature was restricted to specific markets, and with the limited scope of the Amazon Appstore, even three years after Windows 11’s release. It didn’t reach global markets, which, in my opinion, could have been a strong move to compete with Apple and create a seamless Windows-Android ecosystem.
At the end of the day, relying solely on injecting AI into everything won’t sustain an operating system for long. My colleagues shares this view, especially since Copilot seems limited to a chatbox.
While AI is currently a major trend, how many people would be satisfied with it being the main selling point of an operating system? Features like the Windows Subsystem for Android made sense, but few had the chance to try it, so its absence may not be felt. Looks like it’s back to installing resource-heavy emulators on Windows. GG.
What are your thoughts on this? Share in the comments section!
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