Windows Subsystem for Android
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Although this product has been released, it remains under active development - information may change frequently and could be outdated or irrelevant.
This article is about the emulation of a console or deprecated PC platform on Windows, macOS (OS X), or Linux.
Developers | |
---|---|
Microsoft | |
Release dates | |
Windows | October 21, 2021 |
Key points
- Runs using Hyper-V which is Type 1 Virtual machine and offers near bare-metal CPU performance compared to Virtualbox solution.
- Offer much better CPU compatibility by using latest compatibility layer called "Intel Bridge".
- Based on Android 11 (API level 30) source code.
- Highest image and audio quality possible compared to Virtualbox solution.
- WSA is in Insider testing.
- No Vulkan at the moment.
- Closed-source.
- Apps outside of Amazon Appstore have to be sideloaded.
- Only runs on Windows 11.
- No keymapper, must rely on game support to properly controlling games.
- Having several GPU rendering issues.
- Heavy RAM consumption and very slow booting speed.
- Incompatible with Google Play login and impossible to login into games that use Google Play Services.
General information
- Introducing Android™ Apps on Windows 11 to Windows Insiders
- Windows Subsystem for Android™ support page
- Windows Subsystem for Android™ developer documentation
- Store link
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Microsoft Store | Download the emulator on Microsoft Store will also includes Amazon Appstore |
Essential improvements
Application Compatibility Tracker
Application Compatibility can be tracked at Github
Easy app sideload
EasySideload-WSA makes sideload APKs easier for WSA.
Easy file copy to WSA
EasyPush-WSA makes file copy easier for WSA, files goes to downloads folder on Android when done.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows |
Video
Graphics feature | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | May cause issues with certain older games that aren't adapting latest Android codes. | ||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | Emulator do run at 4K but not all games support that. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Depending on games | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Depending on games | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Android always forced on VSync | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Although the emulator do support 120 FPS, game must have 120 or unlocked FPS option to run at 120 FPS or more. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Input
Keyboard and mouse, touch | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | Only support for games that have proper input remap | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | Although users can use mouse tointeract with game menu, hover tooltips and contexts are rarely implemented for games. | |
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Touchscreen optimised | Built-in touch support | |
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English |
Other information
API
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | ARM | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Windows |
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 11 | 11 |
Processor (CPU) | Same as Windows 11 | Same as Windows 11 |
System memory (RAM) | 8GB | 16GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | SSD, size depending on games installed. | SSD, size depending on games installed. |
Video card (GPU) | Same as Windows 11 | Same as Windows 11 |