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Windows Subsystem for Android
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Microsoft |
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.
- No Vulkan at the moment.
- Closed-source.
- No keymapper, must rely on game support to properly controlling games.
- Having several GPU rendering issues.
- Heavy RAM consumption and very slow booting speed.
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 |
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Only available in the US. Download the emulator on Microsoft Store also includes Amazon Appstore |
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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
Save game data location
Video
Input
Audio
Audio feature |
State |
Notes |
Separate volume controls |
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Separate volume controls depending on game support |
Surround sound |
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Subtitles |
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Subtitles depending on game support |
Closed captions |
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Closed captions depending on game support |
Mute on focus lost |
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Localizations
Language |
UI |
Audio |
Sub |
Notes |
English |
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Other information
API
Technical specs |
Supported |
Notes |
Direct3D |
11 |
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OpenGL |
ES 3.0 |
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Executable |
32-bit |
64-bit | ARM |
Notes |
Windows |
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Not all games do support native x86 or x64 especially when it comes from Google Play (rare older games may support x86 library only). |
System requirements
- Requires Intel VT-x/AMD-V to use Hyper-V. Activating Hyper-V will disable PC from accessing Type 2 Virtual machines such as Virtualbox.
- Booting WSA alone will require at least 2GB of free Physical RAM (Standby memory do count as free Physical RAM) and does not run on Pagefile. In theory it's impossible to run on system with 4GB RAM or less even with Pagefile enabled. Avoid running unnecessary background applications on systems with less than 16GB RAM.
Windows |
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Minimum |
Recommended |
Operating system (OS) |
11 | |
Processor (CPU) |
Same as Windows 11 | |
System memory (RAM) |
8GB |
16GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
SSD, size depending on games installed. | |
Video card (GPU) |
Same as Windows 11 | |
Cannot use dedicated GPU if having 2 GPUs on laptops.
References