Microsoft officially ended support for Windows Subsystem for Android in March 2025. It’s no longer available in the Microsoft Store — but WSA is NOT dead.
You can still manually install WSA and run Android apps smoothly on Windows 11 or Windows 10. This guide shows how to install WSA with Google Play Store support and sideload APK files using ADB.
This method still works perfectly in 2025.
📥 Required Downloads
Step 1 — Enable Windows Features
Before installing WSA, enable virtualization features.
- Click Start → search Turn Windows features on or off
- Enable:
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Click OK
- Restart PC
If using Windows 11 Home, you may only see Virtual Machine Platform — that’s fine.
Step 2 — Enable Developer Mode
- Open Settings
- System → For Developers
- Turn on Developer Mode
- Click Yes
This allows installation of external packages.
Step 3 — Install WSA Manually
- Extract the WSA ZIP you downloaded
- Open the folder
- Right-click Run.bat
- Select Run as Administrator
A PowerShell window opens and installs WSA automatically.
Google Play Store is included in this build.
Step 4 — Start Windows Subsystem for Android
- Open Start Menu
- Launch Windows Subsystem for Android
- Open Files → minimize window
WSA is now running in the background.
Step 5 — Enable WSA Developer Mode
- Open WSA Settings
- Go to Advanced Settings
- Turn on Developer Mode
You’ll see an IP address — WSA is ready to connect via ADB.
Step 6 — Performance Optimization
In WSA settings:
- Subsystem resources → Continuous
- Increase RAM if available
- Graphics preference → High Performance
This improves speed and smoothness.
Step 7 — Use Google Play Store
- Open Play Store
- Sign in with Google account
- Install any Android app
Apps appear in Start Menu like native Windows apps.
Step 8 — Sideload APK Files with ADB
Extract Platform Tools to:
C:\platform-toolsOpen Command Prompt inside that folder.
Connect ADB to WSA:
adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526Install APK:
adb install filename.apkAfter Success, the app appears in Start Menu.
Common Problems & Fixes
- WSA won’t start → restart PC
- ADB not connecting → re-enable Developer Mode
- Apps lag → increase RAM in settings
- Play Store crash → clear cache
Safety Notes
- Use official WSA builds only
- Install APKs from trusted sources
- Keep virtualization enabled in BIOS
- Do not force close WSA
Final Result
You now have full Android support on Windows with Google Play Store and APK sideloading — even after Microsoft ended official support.
WSA still works perfectly with this manual method.
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