Android application support is one of the most interesting features of Windows 11, the operating system launched by Microsoft in 2021. On older versions of Windows, it was already possible to use these apps on the PC, but the user had to install a third one. party emulator.

What changes with Windows 11 is that Microsoft offers a solution integrated into the operating system to launch Android apps thanks to a subsystem. On the other hand, Android apps benefit from integration with the official Windows app store, the Microsoft Store. Thus, Android apps on Windows 11 benefit from the same visibility as native apps. To provide this functionality, the Redmond-based company has worked with Amazon, which offers an alternative to Google’s Play Store.

Android apps for Windows 11 finally available in France

Unfortunately, the rollout of this Android app support for Windows 11 is slow. And so far it is not officially available in France.

But the good news is that Microsoft is expanding the availability of this feature. And soon, Windows 11 users in France will be able to benefit from it.

“Since initiating our partnership with Amazon, we’ve heard a lot of interest from customers and developers around the world to expand the catalog and list of supported markets.”we read in a blog post recently published by the Redmond-based company. “Today we’re excited to announce that the Amazon Appstore will be expanding to 31 countries over the next few weeks – including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and more. »

A catalog of more than 20,000 Android apps will be available to users residing in the countries concerned. Microsoft also reminds that you only have to go to the Microsoft Store to use Android apps on Windows 11. The company also states that it’s now easier to discover these Android apps in the Store and that they can be discovered like other content via search or recommendations.

And along with expanding the availability of Android apps on Windows 11 to other countries, Microsoft is also discussing improvements it’s made to that support.

“The Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) continues to improve each month based on developer feedback. In the latest version, you’ll experience 2-3x faster graphics performance with hardware acceleration, video DRM support, improved input handling via touch, mouse and keyboard, and several network and performance improvements.writes Microsoft.

Unfortunately, a PC running Windows 11 is not enough to use this feature. This is because Android app support on Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements.

To use the Android subsystem of Windows 11, you need 8GB of RAM, a compatible processor (Intel Core i3 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 3000, Snapdragon 8c or higher). The function is also not available on machines in “Mode S”.

However, as the subsystem is still being tested, these hardware requirements are subject to change.