The Windows Subsystem Update for Android is currently only available to test Windows Insiders. The main improvement is an update to a version of Android that supports Windows’ ability to run mobile apps.
The current public release appears to be on Android 11, but the version under test Microsoft running Android 12.1, aka Android 12L. This means that if you have something other than the latest Pixel, your computer is probably running a newer version of Android than your phone.
Android Apps feel a bit like Windows Apps
The update also brings improvements to how Android apps integrate with Windows. Message pop-up from the app may appear as a Windows notification now, and the taskbar will be able to show whether the Android app is accessing your microphone or your location.
The company also says Android apps will behave better once you turn on your computer from standby. Instead of starting over, they should continue where they left off.
Microsoft also said it would completely redesign the settings app you use to manage the Windows Subsystem for Android. By grouping settings together and providing a “cleaner user experience.”
It also makes various improvements to how Android apps can access your computer’s camera and has even improved networking capabilities so you can manage your smart home devices using Android apps running on your computer.
While all of this sounds like a big improvement, you might want to hold off on trying to use the feature yourself for now. First, it’s currently rolling out to the Dev channel, which is the most up-to-date Windows Insider ring. This means you are more likely to experience bug and crash outside of running Android apps.
To that end, Microsoft warns that upgrading to Android 12.1 “may cause some apps to fail to launch.” Maybe that’s not too surprising considering how rough the rollout of Android 12 was on mobile.
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