What you need to know
- Microsoft recently rolled out Android app support for Windows 11 in preview.
- Over 1,000 apps are available on Windows 11 through the Amazon Appstore, but it's also possible to sideload apps.
- A third-party application called WSATools simplifies the process for sideloading Android APKs onto Windows 11.
- An upcoming update to WSATools will support backing up apps and data, making it easier to reinstall applications.
Windows 11 now supports downloading Android apps through the Amazon Appstore. The functionality is in preview and rolled out yesterday. While there are over 1,000 Android apps available through the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11, there are quite a few apps that are missing. Luckily, it's possible to sideload Android apps onto Windows 11.
A program called WSATools simplifies the process of sideloading Android apps onto Windows 11. Once set up, WSATools provides a point-and-click interface for installing APK files onto PCs. Soon, WSATools will support backing up Android apps and data, making applications easier to reinstall.
There isn't a confirmed release date for backing up apps and data, but the feature should arrive in the near future, according to the developer of WSATools.
It's possible to sideload Android APKs onto Windows 11 without a program like WSATools, but the process is more complicated. WSATools handles the setup process, allowing people that aren't as tech savvy to get the Android apps they want onto their PCs.
While you can sideload a massive library of Android apps onto your PC, there are still some limitations. Apps that require the Google Play Store to function will not work unless you jump through some extra hoops. Our guide on how to run Google Play Store Android apps on Windows 11 can help if you're looking to use apps that need Google services on your PC.
