Android apps on Windows 11 get better access to networks and files
Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11 , allowing PCs to run some Android apps without installing a traditional virtual machine or other utility. The feature has been updated several times since then, and another update is now rolling out that improves the Android app experience on Windows.
Microsoft has released an update to the Windows Subsystem for Android, build 2306.40000.4.0, to all Insider channels for Windows 11. It follows a recent major update that added true file sharing between Windows and Android environments, allowing you to open files from your PC in an Android app without moving them to a specific folder first. The new update includes a fix for OneDrive folders not showing up in Android apps, and dragging and dropping files between Windows and Android apps now works with more file types.
The new Windows Subsystem for Android update also improves networking support, with a new “Local network” option replacing “Advanced networking” in the Advanced section of the Settings app. Local networking allows Android apps to connect to other devices on your PC’s network, while still respecting Windows Firewall rules and any active VPN connections. This opens the door for Android apps to support LAN gaming, live streaming to security cameras and other local devices, and other use cases that weren’t available before.
There are some other minor changes, like the inclusion of Google's latest Android 13 security updates, an updated Linux kernel (now at version 5.15.104), new buttons in picture-in-picture mode, camera compatibility improvements, and better permissions prompts.
The Windows Subsystem for Android update is still limited to Windows Insider builds, but it should be rolling out to all Windows 11 PCs with the subsystem installed soon, once any critical bugs have been fixed. If you want to try out the subsystem on your Windows PC, check out our guide to installing Android apps on Windows 11 . There’s still no Google Play Store , and many popular apps and games are still missing without sideloading Google services first. Google has its own Google Play Games desktop app, which is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Source: Windows Blog