As of today, it is no longer possible to install Android apps via the Amazon App Store. In March 2025, support for Android will disappear completely in Windows.

Somewhat surprisingly, Microsoft announces the discontinuation of the Windows subsystem for Android. This platform made it possible to run Android applications on Windows 11. Microsoft had announced the addition of Android apps as one of the biggest innovations in Windows 11 a few years ago, but has now pulled the plug. The news is also confirmed by Amazon, which supports the Android platform.

The shutdown will take place in several phases. As of today, it is no longer possible to install new applications via the Amazon App Store. Applications that have already been installed will continue to work for at least another year. However, starting March 5, 2025, Amazon will completely close its App Store for Windows, meaning developers will no longer be able to offer support for Android applications on Windows.

The entire platform was only fully built last summer. Microsoft officially added Android support with the Windows 11 22H2 update, but the rollout to the general public did not begin until the summer of 2023. The offering included more than 20,000 applications, but that is not enough for Microsoft to extend Android support to the to keep subsystems alive.

Failed flirtation

By allowing Android applications on Windows, Microsoft wanted to provide an answer to macOS, where it has been possible to run iOS apps since the M1 generation. A possible sore point was that Google never joined the platform: the Amazon App Store had to act as a gateway.

Partly for this reason, the same seamless integration has not been achieved between Windows and Android as between macOS and iOS. Microsoft doesn’t seem to believe in it anymore and is now ending its flirtation with Android early.