Windows 10 Android support

Microsoft’s Android apps project for Windows 10 is reportedly codenamed “Latte” and it will use Windows Subsystem for Linux as a compatibility layer. On top of Windows Subsystem for Linux, Microsoft plans to use the Android subsystem to enable native support for Android apps.

Windows Subsystem for Linux is required for running Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10. Microsoft has also enabled support for a real Linux kernel in Windows 10 to facilitate advanced Linux experience, and now Android.

Android apps support for Windows 10 is likely to arrive in the second half of 2021 as part of the major Windows 10 21H2 upgrade.

Project Latte will allow developers to convert their Android apps into MSIX format, which is a Windows-only package format that provides a modern packaging experience.

As you may know already, anyone can take the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code and make their own version of Android or can use it as the basis for their own services or platforms.

Project Astoria
Project Astoria for Windows 10 Mobile

In this case, Microsoft is planning to take the Android subsystem and Android Runtime to translate the app’s bytecode into native apps for Windows 10.

Developers will be able to submit their converted MSIX package in the Microsoft Store, but there’s a catch – the converted apps will lack support for Google services.

Google services are very handy, but most apps don’t have to use them. Android subsystem is enough to run all Google APIs independent mobile apps and Microsoft might allow developers to replace Google Maps, Gmail, Calendar, and other services integration by its own products, such as Windows Maps and Outlook.

If the top Microsoft leadership approves the project and it meets the company’s internal expectations, Windows Store would soon see Android apps available to run, alongside UWP, PWAs and converted desktop apps.

However, apps sideloaded by users manually may not work correctly. This is because Microsoft is using some kind of compatibility layer and developers will be required to recompile their apps using a ‘software solution’ offered by the tech giant.

About The Author

Mayank Parmar

Mayank Parmar is Windows Latest's owner, Editor-in-Chief and entrepreneur. Mayank has been in tech journalism for over seven years and has written on various topics, but he is mostly known for his well-researched work on Microsoft's Windows. His articles and research works have been referred to by CNN, Business Insiders, Forbes, Fortune, CBS Interactive, Microsoft and many others over the years.