How to Download and Run Android Apps on Windows 11 PCs

Thanks to the latest Windows 11 update, all users can now run Android applications natively on their computers. Prior to this update, Android Apps support was only a beta feature for Windows 11 Insiders, but now, at least from the new Amazon Appstore preview for Windows, anyone can download and install apps.

This is a great way for Android users to sync their smartphone and PC apps, but not all of them can be bypassed. The Amazon Appstore is still in preview and only a limited number of apps are currently officially supported. Similarly, because Windows 11 uses the Amazon Appstore for its Android apps rather than the Google Play Store, any premium apps you download or purchases in any app you make will be linked to your Amazon account instead of your Google Account. Of course, most Android devices use Google Accounts.

The Amazon Appstore preview for Windows 11 includes over 1,000 apps and games, including Amazon Kindle, Audible, Comixology, The Washington Post apps and more. These apps have been tested and confirmed on Windows 11 PCs running on Intel or AMD hardware, and many more will be added in the future.

How to install and run Android apps in Windows 11 via the Amazon Appstore

To install Android apps on a Windows 11 PC, start by updating Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store.

1. On your PC, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates.”
3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
4. Once your PC is up to date, Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
5. Go to the “Library” tab and select “Get updates.”
6. Let the update install.

With all the necessary updates installed, you can now download the Amazon Appstore Preview for Windows 11.

1. Open the Microsoft Store
2. Search for “Amazon Appstore.”
3. Open the Amazon Appstore Preview landing page and select “Install.”
4. Install Android subsystem for Windows if prompted.
5. Once installed, launch the Amazon Appstore and sign in to your Amazon account, or create a new one.
6. You can now browse Android apps in the Amazon Appstore Preview. Some apps are also listed in the Microsoft store.

To run an Android app in Windows 11, just open it from your desktop or the Start Menu like you would any other program. The app will open in its own window.

Other ways to install Android apps on Windows 11

Downloading Android apps on Windows 11 through the Amazon Appstore is easy, but this is not the only way to install Android software on Windows — you can sideline apps on Windows 11 or run APKs via BlueStacks or other emulation software. These alternatives allow you to install applications and games that are not officially supported (whether they work properly is another matter).