Microsoft is killing off Microsoft Windows 11 Subsystem for Android after a messy rollout

Microsoft has quietly updatesd its help doc to verify that the Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Android goes away. Yes, the flexibility to run Android and video games on PC, one of many “flagship” options of Microsoft Windows 11 and closely promoted by Microsoft former govt Panos Panay, is being depreciated.

In an updates to its help doc, Microsoft has introduced it can cease supporting the Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) by March 5, 2025. This means the Amazon Appstore on Microsoft Windows and any video games or apps that want the Android subsystem gained’t work after that date.

“Microsoft is ending support for the Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). As a result, the Amazon Appstore on Microsoft Windows and all applications and games dependent on WSA will no longer be supported beginning March 5, 2025,” Microsoft famous in an updates to its help doc.

This latests may come as a shock to many, however I noticed this coming. According to sources conversant in Microsoft’s plans, WSA adoption was too low, and the corporate determined to drag the plug.

That’s nonetheless a basic Microsoft transfer. As famous by former Microsoft dev Michael Niehaus on X, “the cycle is all too common” – Microsoft launch one thing half-baked or with a restricted viewers, nobody makes use of it, function will get discontinued.”

Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Android rollout was a multitude

Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Android was introduced through the Microsoft Windows 11 launch occasion, however when the OS started transport on secure techniques, the WSA was noticeably lacking from the discharge. It wasn’t till 4 months after the launch of Microsoft Windows 11 that the WSA lastly made its debut, however solely within the United States.

This restricted rollout started with updatess for Microsoft Windows Insiders within the US, permitting them to check and use Android apps on Microsoft Windows 11. Following this preliminary launch, it took one other seven months earlier than the WSA grew to become out there in further areas just like the UK, Canada, and Germany.

WSA’s availability was restricted, as many individuals outdoors the US couldn’t attempt Android apps on Microsoft Windows 11 with out becoming a member of the Insider Program.

Additionally, the number of apps within the Amazon Appstore for Microsoft Windows was fairly restricted, particularly when in comparison with the huge array of apps discovered within the Google Play Store.

Amazon pulls its AppStore from Microsoft Windows 11

If you’ve downloaded the Amazon App Store or any Android apps earlier than March 5, 2024, you’ll be able to nonetheless use them till help ends in 2025.

In a separate weblog put up, Amazon additionally confirmed its Appstore on Microsoft Windows 11 goes away as Microsoft has ended help for Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).

In our checks, it’s already not possible to seek for Amazon Appstore or its apps within the Microsoft Store.