Windows 11 Devices to Get Ability to Run Android Apps, Microsoft Showcases

Windows 11 is coming later this year and it will not only bring an all-new user experience but also allow users to run Android apps natively. Microsoft showcased how it is bringing support for Android apps on Windows 11 through a quick demo during its virtual conference on Thursday. The Redmond company has partnered with Amazon to integrate Amazon Appstore within Microsoft Store to enable downloading of Android apps on Windows 11 PCs. However, the new operating system will also include Intel's proprietary runtime compiler that will natively run Android apps on Windows PCs.

Microsoft showcased Android apps including TikTok that are coming to Windows 11 through Amazon Appstore. “Windows customers will be able to discover Android apps in the Microsoft Store, and acquire them through the Amazon Appstore,” Microsoft said in a blog post.

In addition to offering Amazon Appstore within Microsoft Store for downloading Android apps, Microsoft has partnered with Intel to use the Intel Bridge technology for offering mobile app support on Windows PCs. This will allow users to natively run Android apps on their Windows 11 machines, even when they aren't a part of the Appstore.

The post-compiler technology will notably not be limited to devices based on Intel processors but also work with ARM and AMD machines, as reported by The Verge.

“Intel Bridge Technology is a runtime post-compiler that enables applications to run natively on x86-based devices, including running those applications on Windows,” Intel said in a press statement confirming extensive support for running Android apps on Windows devices.

It is currently unclear whether the new experience will be available for running all Android apps or limited to some. Microsoft has also not provided any clarity on whether users would be able to install Android apps directly from their APK files or require some additional efforts.

But nonetheless, the latest moves by Microsoft have made it clear that the Windows maker is aiming to take on Apple that recently introduced iOS app support on macOS.

Microsoft previously also showed its interest in enabling a bridge between Android users and Windows machines by launching the Your Phone app. It also offered an even better integration with Samsung's Galaxy devices.