Microsoft has announced the end of life for Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), a Windows 11 feature that lets users run Android apps on their PCs. The official notice explains the rollback in functionality and the implications for the Amazon Appstore and app distribution. (Source attribution: Microsoft)
According to the official statement, as of March 6, 2024, the Amazon Appstore will no longer be installable within Windows Subsystem for Android. Users will not be able to download new apps from this source, and developers will not be able to publish new WSA‑compliant applications to the Amazon Appstore. For contexts in Canada and the United States, this means the primary channel to add Android apps to WSA devices will effectively close, affecting users who rely on the Amazon storefront for app access. (Source attribution: Microsoft)
Nevertheless, the Amazon Appstore itself will continue to function on other devices outside of WSA. Apps that were installed from the Amazon Appstore before March 6, 2024 will continue to receive updates through March 5, 2025, after which support will cease. This creates a transitional window for existing app users and developers who may need to prepare alternative distribution methods or migrate to other Android app delivery paths. (Source attribution: Microsoft)
Windows Subsystem for Android first launched in October 2021, followed by a beta phase that brought Android application support to Windows 11. The service enables installation of apps in the APK format, potentially bypassing the Amazon storefront on compatible setups. It is not stated whether this APK pathway would remain viable after support ends. Users in North America considering APK installations should monitor official guidance for any changes to this potential route. (Source attribution: Microsoft)
In a broader context, Windows updates have historically brought a range of new features to the OS. The most recent major update to Windows 11 introduced dozens of enhancements across security, performance, user experience, and integration with cloud services. For users evaluating the value of WSA and related capabilities, the decision to discontinue WSA brings attention to the evolving balance between Windows and Android integration, app distribution control, and the broader strategy Microsoft pursues for running Android apps on Windows. (Source attribution: Microsoft)