Windows 11 starts rolling out today, but since it’s a staggered rollout, you might not get it just yet. Either way, you can look forward to the ability to use Android apps on Windows devices. Microsoft plans to bring Android apps to its app store, but even if you get Windows 11 today, Android apps won’t be available yet. The date still hasn’t been confirmed for when they’ll be available to the public.
On the bright side, you don’t actually have to wait for Windows 11 in order to use Android apps on a Windows PC anyway. Currently, Android apps are available to use on Windows 10, but only with the Your Phone app that Microsoft rolled out last year. But if you’re curious about what happens when you upgrade, we’ll explain everything we know so far about Android apps on your future Windows 11 PC when they eventually arrive.
Along with eventual Android app support, Windows 11, which is a free upgrade, comes with a slew of cool features. The new operating system will also introduce a more streamlined design, an updated version of desktop widgets to personalize your PC’s look and feel, and new Xbox gaming features, among other new updates.
Read more: Here’s how to tell if your device is compatible with Windows 11, and here’s how Windows 11 and Windows 10 compare.
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Android apps on Windows 11 explained
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When can I start using Android apps on my PC?
Windows 11 will begin rolling out to the general public today, but not everyone will get it right away. (But you should still have the option to manually download the upgrade. Here’s how.) Android apps were originally expected to launch with the latest software, but now it’s uncertain when that’ll happen. Here’s how some Android apps can be used on Windows 10 for now.
Will I have to pay to update to Windows 11?
Most likely not. Microsoft said Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs. You can see if your PC is eligible by downloading Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. (Here’s how to use the PC Health Check app and other ways to determine if your computer will be compatible with Windows 11.) The free upgrade will be available into 2022.
Windows 11 is coming in October.
Screenshot by Katie Teague/CNET
Which Android apps will be available on Windows 11 once the kinks are worked out?
When it’s ready, Microsoft will be bringing all the Android apps on Amazon’s Appstore (currently nearly 500,000 of them) to its Store. This includes Disney Plus, TikTok, Netflix, Pinterest, Uber and more, but not every one of the Android apps on the Google Play Store (around 3.5 million).
Will I immediately be able to download the Android apps when I get Windows 11?
No. Once Microsoft does make the apps available, you’ll need to download the Amazon Appstore app and log in to your Amazon account to download Android apps.
For more information, here’s our review of Windows 11 and how to decide whether you should upgrade from Windows 10.