What Is Windows Subsystem for Android?
Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is a Windows 11 component that runs Android apps on a Windows device in a Hyper-V virtual environment. The program is designed as a virtualized Android operating system based on the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP). Once installed, Windows Subsystem for Android can be accessed from the “Apps & Features” section of Windows 11 and may be uninstalled from there. Microsoft is currently running the Windows Subsystem for Android Beta to improve the user experience of Android apps in Windows 11. While they do that, you can sidestep the whole insider procedure to run a full-fledged Google Play services experience on your Windows device.
How to Install Google Play in Windows 11
Currently you can use an open source application called MagiskOnWSA to install WSA and Google Play Store. That is, provided you meet the basic prerequisites of such an installation as we’ve covered below. The method won’t work on a Windows 10 PC. You should have migrated to Windows 11 to install Google Play on your device.
Install Google Play in Windows 11 Using MagiskOnWSA
In this method, we are using a root access tool like Magisk. A developer has modified the official Microsoft WSA package to offer an integrated installer that combines Magisk with open Google Apps, which are integrated into most Android devices. It is a safe download link through a GitHub repository and integrates well in the Windows 11 environment.
Things to Do Before Installing Google Play Store Using MagiskOnWSA
1. Check system requirements
Ensure your device meets the following system prerequisites that are essential to install Google Play on Windows 11.
A minimum 8 GB of RAMThe system should already have migrated to Windows 11. If you’re still on Windows 10, use this guide to move to Windows 11.
2. Enable Developer Mode
3. Set Up a VM to Run Android Apps
Since WSA is a Hyper-V based environment, you need to configure the required virtualization settings on your Windows 11 device.
4. Change Region Settings to US
Currently, WSA and its included Google Play settings are only supported for the United States. Even if you’re not living there, you should still go to “Region Settings” from the search menu and change the Country/Region to U.S. and the recommended language to U.S. English.
Installing WSA and Google Play Using MagiskOnWSA
To install Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) and the included Google Play on your Windows 11 device, follow the steps below.
Final Check: Things to Do After Installing Google Play Store on Windows 11
After a successful installation, you need to take a few more steps to initialize WSA.
Malware Alert for Powershell Windows Toolbox
We had previously covered a solution called “Powershell Windows Toolbox” which was available as an open-source GitHub code. It has now suddenly been taken offline due to malware concerns, which were nonexistent when we last published this article. If you installed Play Store using Powershell Windows Toolbox, here’s how to easily resolve related malware issues if any:
1. Why will Google Play not let me sign in on a Windows 11 device?
Sometimes due to some unknown settings on your PC, the downloaded MagiskOnWSA file may not be compatible with your Google account on Play Store settings. If you’re facing Play Store sign-in problems after installation, perform the following remedial steps:
2. How do I turn off Windows Subsystem for Android?
Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) can consume substantial CPU and other resources, especially if too many Android apps are open at the same time. To turn it off, go to WSA Settings from the search menu and turn WSA off. This means all apps will immediately close, and the WSA will restart the next time you open an installed app.
3. Are there any performance issues when you run Windows Subsystem for Android?
As the official Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is still a work in progress, with Microsoft testing it on Windows Insiders, you can expect some performance delays, lags and visual problems. Some of the performance issues include:
Letter and Pillar boxing: when the aspect ratio of an app window does not align well with your PC resolution, you may have problems such as the window being wider than its height or narrower than its length.Mouse input problems: as the apps are designed for a mobile interface, some mouse inputs may not work, such as right-click, hover effects, drag and drop.
