One of the major features advertised for Windows 11 has been the ability to run Android apps natively on the operating system. Unfortunately, that feature has been missing from the OS since it was released to the public.
The good news is that Android apps are finally coming to Windows 11, kinda. In an update, chief product officer of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, Panos Panay announced that Android apps will arrive in February.
“Next month we’re bringing new experiences to Windows that include a public preview of how you can use Android apps on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store and our partnerships with Amazon and Intel, taskbar improvements with call mute and unmute, easier window sharing and bringing weather to the taskbar, plus the introduction of two new redesigned apps, Notepad and Media Player,” wrote Panay.
That’s rather vague as Microsoft’s Windows Insider programme comes in two different flavours, both available for anybody to join so it’s unclear whether this will be a part of the Beta channel, the Dev channel or the Release Preview channel. We’ll keep an eye on Microsoft’s news channels for more information as we move through the shortest month of the year.
In other Windows 11 related news, the final phase of the upgrade offer from Windows 10 to the latest OS is now starting. This happening ahead of schedule because the uptake of Windows 11 is reportedly faster than it was for Windows 10.
“Since the launch of Windows 11 in October, we have seen strong demand and preference for Windows 11 with people accepting the upgrade offer to Windows 11 at twice the rate we saw for Windows 10. Windows 11 also has the highest quality scores and product satisfaction of any version of Windows we’ve ever shipped. Product quality was a huge focus for the team, and we took a deliberate and phased approach to how we rolled out the upgrade,” the CPO said.
“Windows 11 is driving increased engagement with people spending 40% more time on their Windows 11 PC vs Windows 10. The multitasking and productivity advantages of the Windows PC are being used more than ever with nearly half of Windows 11 users using the new Snap Layouts,” they added.
Before you upgrade to Windows 11 it’s highly recommended that you read these guides here. There are also known issues you should be aware that we recommend you read.
While Windows 11 is an improvement on Windows 10, it does come with its fair share of problems so step into it expecting things to break.
