Amazon Appstore appears in Microsoft Store, though it doesn't work yet

What you need to know

• The Amazon Appstore has been spotted in the Microsoft Store.
• You cannot use the Amazon Appstore to download apps onto Windows at this time.
• The app appearing in the Microsoft Store could indicate that Microsoft is closer to testing Android support on Windows 11.

The Amazon Appstore has appeared in the Microsoft Store, though everyday people can't use it at this time. The listing was spotted by well-known leaker WalkingCat who shared its link on Twitter. To download the app, you would need to redeem a code that isn't generally available. Additionally, you would need the Windows Subsystem for Android on your PC, which isn't publicly available at this time.

The Amazon Appstore will be one of the ways that people can install Android apps onto Windows 11. While the operating system will allow people to install APKs, the Amazon Appstore will provide an interface that more people are familiar with. People will be able to browse through apps within the Microsoft Store and then be redirected to the Amazon Appstore to install an Android app.

Regardless of how someone installs Android apps onto a PC, they'll have to use the Windows Subsystem for Android. A listing for the Windows Subsystem for Android was spotted earlier this month, but it's only a placeholder. It can't be used to install the Windows Subsystem for Android onto a PC.

Microsoft confirmed that Android app support on Windows 11 is delayed and that it won't launch with the new OS on October 5, 2021. A preview for the feature should roll out in the coming months, but we don't have an exact date for when testing will begin.

While the Amazon Appstore can't be downloaded at this time, its appearance in the Microsoft Store could indicate that Android app support is one step closer to testing with Insiders.

The long-term plan for Microsoft is to have more stores available through the Microsoft Store. The Amazon Appstore will be the first to launch on Windows 11.