Last month, Microsoft finally brought Windows Subsystem for Android to wide release in the US, giving users Android apps on Windows 11. However, the framework is far from finished with only around 1,000 apps available. Microsoft will continue to work on the subsystem in preview, which brings us to version 2203.40000.1.0.
This is a major update of Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11. In fact, it is rolling out simultaneously to all Insiders across the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels. Included in the package are important security updates, but also some fun stuff like Windows integration and important changes to video playback.
In terms of Windows integration, Microsoft says Windows email clients now work better with mobile applications. For example, they will launch a mail client from a message link. As for video changes, Windows Subsystem for Android can now tap into hardware accelerated H.254 decoding.
Changelog
Microsoft also has some other changes landing in preview. Below is the full release notes:
“H.264 Video Hardware Decoding
This update allows Windows Subsystem for Android™ to take advantage of hardware accelerated H.264 decoding. This should enable a better experience on several apps in the current app catalog that take advantage of high-definition video playback.”
Fixes/Improvements:
“Networking Changes
With this update comes networking changes in the platform to enable future improvements. To help us improve networking features in Windows Subsystem for Android™, we encourage Insiders to file feedback for any network issues encountered in supported apps.
Mail Integration
We’ve made improvements to Windows integration with Windows Subsystem for Android™! In this update, the integration between Windows email clients and mobile apps has been improved. Apps that take advantage of launching a mail client or message should benefit from this change immediately.
MSAA (Multisample anti-aliasing) Changes
While MSAA is a useful feature for several game apps, users were reporting that 4X MSAA could not be disabled. We were previously force-enabling anti-aliasing, which has now been fixed.
Improvements to Input
We’ve made improvements to general input in Windows Subsystem for Android™, including improved scrolling in the Amazon Appstore and Kindle apps.”
When Microsoft initially announced Windows 11 in June 2021, one of the big announcements was support for Android apps, finally adding mobile apps to the platform.
Tip of the day: If your PC keeps connecting to the wrong WiFi network, you can set WiFi priority to avoid the need to manually select access points over and over again.
