Windows 11 to Get Android 13 Support, Beta Testing Launched: All You Need To Know

On By Akhilesh

Reportedly, Microsoft has initiated testing of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 11, featuring compatibility with Android 13 through a beta release. This development was communicated via an official GitHub discussion thread, revealing that the Windows Subsystem for Android 13 on Windows 11 is now accessible to participants who have enrolled in the Windows Subsystem for Android Preview Program. The company has outlined a total of 9 performance enhancements and fixes in the recent WSA update designed to support Android 13 on Windows 11.

Tim Kurtzman, a Software Engineering Lead at Microsoft with over 20 years of experience, shared on GitHub that WSA version number 2211.40000.7.0 for Windows 11 will introduce Android 13 to participants registered in the Windows Subsystem for Android Preview program. Notably, the latest WSA is touted to enhance boot speed by up to 50 percent. Additionally, refinements have been implemented for mouse click input, clipboard stability, and application resizing.

While the Windows Subsystem for Android has been updated to accommodate Android 13, the Intel bridge technology has also undergone upgrades to align with the latest Android version. A new command has been incorporated to facilitate the automation-driven shutdown of WSA. Moreover, reliability improvements have been applied to media files located on Android smartphones when accessed in Windows. Jumplist entries have been introduced for applications that support app shortcuts.

Microsoft is encouraging reviewers to provide feedback on the WSA for Android 13 beta through the Feedback Hub on Windows System for Android. Users interested in trying the latest WSA for Windows 11 beta need to register for the Windows Subsystem for Android Preview program on Microsoft’s webpage, using a Microsoft Account. However, the waiting period for access may extend up to 7 days. The update for the Amazon Appstore in the Microsoft Store is a prerequisite for implementing these new features.

Importantly, there is no official confirmation regarding the release date for the stable WSA for Windows 11 with Android 13 support for users outside of the beta program.