Windows 11 was officially launched on October 5. But this launch version doesn’t support Android apps just yet. So, in order to run Android apps on Windows 11 right now, you will need to join the Windows Insider Program and get the latest beta update.
When Microsoft first officially announced Windows 11 back in June, one of the highlights of the reveal was that they were bringing Android apps to Windows. They had announced that users would be able to download the apps through the Amazon app store then use them natively in their Windows devices.
In this article we will show you how you can start using Android apps like TikTok on your Windows 11 device right away.
Before You Begin: Joining the Windows Insider Program
Currently, only the beta versions of Windows 11 support Android apps. So you will first need to update your system to the latest beta release.
Microsoft Account
Before you can do this, you will need a Microsoft Account. There’s a good chance you already have one. But in case you’ve been running Windows without a Microsoft account, follow these steps to make one:
- Go over to signup.live.com and enter your email ID. Alternatively, you can also sign up with your phone number.
- Choose a password.
- Enter your details (Name, birthdate).
- Verify your email/phone.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a Windows Account. Now you are ready to join the Windows Insider Program.
Windows Insider Program
To join the Windows Insider Program, follow these steps:
Go to insider.windows.com and scroll down to find the ‘Meet the Windows Insider Program’ section and click on ‘Register’.
Sign into the Windows account you just created.
Now in Windows, click on Start, type ‘Windows Update settings’ and click on it.
In the Windows Update window, you will find a list of options. Find and click on ‘Windows Insider Program’ at the very bottom.
In the Windows Insider Program page, you will first have to sign in to your Microsoft Account and confirm it.
Once you have done this, click on ‘Choose your Insider settings’ and select the recommended ‘Beta Channel’.
Now, go back to the main Windows Update page and click on the ‘Check for updates’ button. Once the latest Beta update is found, install it and restart your computer.
Amazon Account
Now, you will need to create an Amazon account if you don’t have one. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Amazon Account registration page and fill in your details and click on ‘Create your Amazon account’.
- Solve the verification puzzle.
- Amazon will send you a OTP (One Time Password) to your email ID. Enter this and verify the account.
- Add your Mobile number. You will receive another OTP. Enter it to verify your account.
Congratulation! Your Amazon account is setup.
Note: Only US based Amazon accounts can be used to run android apps on Windows at the moment. So if you’re aren’t living in the US, you will need to get access to a US based account.
Running Android Apps on Windows 11
Now that you have the latest beta release of Windows 11 installed and you have your Amazon Account setup, you are ready to start using Android apps on Windows. Follow these steps:
Click on Start, type ‘Microsoft Store’ and click on it.
Search for ‘Amazon Store’ in the search bar at the top. Note: You can only install this app if you are in the US. Users who live outside the US can use a VPN to change their location and then install the app.
Install the app. Once the app is installed, click on Set Up and follow the instructions. Click on ‘Download’ to download the ‘Windows Subsystem for Android‘. This is the system that will allows you to natively run Android apps on Windows.
Restart your computer.
Click on Start, type ‘Amazon Appstore’ and click on it.
You will need to log into your Amazon account.
Find your favorite Android app (if it is available in the Amazon Appstore) and install it.
Once installed, the apps can be found in the Start Menu like any other Windows app.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issue
