Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) now works better with your favourite games, thanks to the August 2022 update. Microsoft is shipping Android subsystem version 2206.40000.15.0 to Windows Insiders in the United States only and we don’t know when it will begin rolling out to more users.
The key highlight of the Android subsystem’s August 2022 update is better support for input compatibility in apps such as games. Microsoft is adding a new suite of shims which can be enabled in the Windows Subsystem for the Android Settings app.
If you enable the new toggles, you’ll be able to enjoy better experiences in several apps and games that rely on joysticks (mapped to WASD). As per the release notes, Microsoft is improving support for gamepads in games and aim controls too. For example, you can now aim using arrow keys.
Likewise, you can also slide in games with arrow keys, a feature that was buggy in the previous versions.
In addition to improved gaming support, WSA August 2022 update also delivers networking improvements. Users can link a VPN IP address with their Android apps and they can also get around government censorship or hide online tracking by turning on the “Advanced Networking feature”. This also lets you access Netflix in a different region.
For better VPN integration, Microsoft has also improved dialog when an unsupported VPN is detected. This provides more clarity when a particular VPN is not supported.
It is worth noting that some VPNs do not work with Advanced Networking. If your VPN is not working or Android apps do not have access to the network when VPN is enabled, make sure the “Advanced Networking” option in the Windows Subsystem for the Android Settings app is disabled.
Other improvements in the August 2022 Android Subsystem update:
- The minimum window size is 220dp by default.
- You can now view and save diagnostic data in the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings using a toggle.
- Security updates and fixes, including improvements to graphics.
Microsoft has fixed several graphics-related fixes, including app flickering and graphics corruption.
It is worth noting that the Android subsystem will be updated regularly with new features or improvements outside the major Windows releases. For example, July 2022 update addressed scrolling issues with the trackpad in apps, enabled support for AV1 codec support, and updated Chromium WebView integration
You can expect similar improvements in September 2022 update.
