The ability to run Android apps was a highly touted Windows 11 feature, but like so many overhyped new features, it is headed for the tech graveyard.
Hawk-eyed Windows watchers noticed that Microsoft updated its documentation to mention that support for Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) will end on March 5, 2025. Notably, the feature only went fully live in July 2023, and received feature updates as recently as October.
The updated text notes that the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all applications and games dependent on WSA will no longer be supported effective March 5, 2025. Until then, Microsoft will continue to provide technical support.
"We are grateful for the support of our developer community and remain committed to listening to feedback as we evolve experiences," Microsoft says.
It was a neat idea to be able to run mobile apps on your desktop, but the WSA has some severe limitations. If you have a compatible Android phone, you get a better experience running apps via the Phone Link app.
(Credit: Microsoft/Amazon/PCMag)One of the WSA’s biggest drawbacks is the lack of support for Google Play; you’re limited to the less well-stocked Amazon Appstore. WSA also involves installing another store from within the Microsoft Store, that little-used place for getting vetted Windows apps.
The Microsoft Store entry for the Amazon Appstore now has a yellow warning banner about its demise. "Starting on March 6, 2024, Windows 11 customers will not be able to search for Amazon Appstore or associated apps from the Microsoft Store. Customers may continue using Amazon Appstore apps that they previously installed and will still be able to receive app updates," Amazon says in its own blog post.
I have installed and tried the WSA but find the Phone Link route more useful and frictionless. Of course, you need a supported phone model, though those include most of the newer and higher-end Samsung Galaxy models.
Easier Copilot Access
(Credit: Microsoft/PCMag)In other Windows 11 news, Microsoft is trying out a way to open the Microsoft Copilot sidebar by simply hovering the mouse cursor over its icon in the Taskbar.
"When you move your mouse cursor over the Copilot icon on the taskbar, it will open the Copilot pane. The Copilot pane will close unless interacted with after it opens," Microsoft explains. "This will begin rolling out slowly over the next few weeks to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel."
The Copilot sidebar now supports plug-ins for things like making dinner reservations through OpenTable, and can be resized. Some new Windows laptops also include a dedicated Copilot key. The Copilot updates keep coming, so fasten your seatbelt!