Android apps on Windows 11 require an SSD and at least 8GB of RAM

Windows 11 Android Apps Amazon A
Windows 11 Android Apps Amazon A (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft recently launched a preview of Android app support on Windows 11.
  • PC owners can now download over 1,000 Android apps through the Amazon Appstore.
  • A support document from Microsoft outlines the minimum requirements to run Android apps on Windows 11.

A support document from Microsoft outlines the specs required to run Android apps on Windows 11. Your computer will need an SSD and at least 8GB of RAM to run Android apps, though Microsoft recommends 16GB of RAM.

On the CPU side of things, Android apps will run on Windows 11 PCs with at least an 8th Gen Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3000, or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c.

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CategoryRequirement
RAM8 GB (minimum)
16 GB (recommended)
Storage typeSolid State Drive (SSD)
ProcessorIntel Core i3 8th Gen (minimum) or above
AMD Ryzen 3000 (minimum) or above
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c (minimum) or above
Processor architecturex64 or ARM64
Virtual Machine PlatformThis setting needs to be enabled. For more info, go to Enable virtualization on Windows 11 PCs.

While it's certainly possible to find a device that doesn't meet the minimum requirements, the best cheap laptops generally have configurations that meet these specs. You'll have to spend more to hit the recommended spec of 16GB.

We have a guide on how to get started with Android apps on Windows 11. The process requires installing the Windows Subsystem for Android and making sure the Microsoft Store is up to date.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.