Users participating in the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) Preview Program on Windows 11 have a new feature update to test before Microsoft ships the thing to the general public. Version 2307 (build number 2307.40000.2.0) is out with several notable improvements, such as Windows app launch protocol support, compatibility with the low-level Vulkan API, graphics enhancements, stability fixes, and more.
The new Windows app launch protocol support allows users to launch Android apps from within Windows apps. This is a great way to integrate Android apps into your workflow. For example, you could launch an Android music player from within your favorite Windows music app.
The Vulkan API compatibility is a major improvement for gamers. Vulkan is a low-level graphics API that can offer better performance than other APIs. This means that Android games will run better on Windows 11 with this new update.
The graphics enhancements also improve the overall performance of Android apps on Windows 11. This is especially noticeable in games and other demanding apps. The stability fixes make Windows Subsystem for Android more reliable and less prone to crashes. This is a welcome improvement for anyone who has experienced problems with WSA in the past.
Windows Subsystem for Android Preview 2307 Changelog
- Custom Microsoft.Windows.LAUNCH_URI intent to launch apps on Windows via protocol activation
- Platform stability improvements
- We've added the ability for apps to use the Vulkan API in preview, options are available in the settings app to try this out
- Graphics reliability improvements
- Updated latest Chromium WebView to version 115
- Android 13 security updates
Improving Windows Subsystem for Android
If you are interested in testing the new features of Windows Subsystem for Android, you can download the preview version from the Microsoft Store. You can also sign up for the preview program to receive early updates.
However, before you install WSA, it is important to note that your computer must meet specific hardware requirements. Microsoft recommends 16GB of RAM, a solid state drive (SSD), and virtualization support enabled within UEFI settings and the operating system.
Windows 11 is the first version of Windows that lets you run Android apps on your PC. This is possible thanks to the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), a technology that integrates Android apps with the Windows environment. You can access and install Android apps from the Amazon App Store, which offers more than 20,000 apps for Windows 11 users. Microsoft is not resting on its laurels, though. It has been releasing regular updates for the WSA to make it faster, smoother, and more secure.
Here are some of the highlights of the recent updates:
- July 2023: Microsoft rolled out security and performance improvements in a general update for the Android subsystem.
- May 2023: You can now adjust the amount of RAM allocated to the WSA, which can improve app performance and responsiveness. You can also scan Android app packages with your anti-virus software before installing them, which can protect your PC from malware.
- April 2023: You can now run Android video apps in Picture-in-Picture mode, which lets you watch videos in a small window while doing other tasks on your PC. You can resize and move the video window as you like.
- March 2023: This update improved various aspects of the WSA, such as stability, graphics, audio, and security. It also fixed some bugs and glitches that affected some apps and features.
- February 2023: This update boosted the performance of the WSA significantly, especially for x86 processors, such as AMD and Intel CPUs. It also improved performance for ARM processors, which are used in some laptops and tablets. You can now run Android apps faster and smoother on your PC.
- December 2022: This update upgraded the WSA to Android 13, which brought several enhancements to the Android app experience on Windows 11. For example, it improved mouse input, clipboard stability, and app resizing.
