JANUARY 2022 PCWorld 83that exact
problem while
trying to use
Android apps on
Windows 11.
Winner:
Chrome OSEASE
OF USE
Microsoft pulled a
bait-and-switch
with its premature
announcement of
Android support
for Windows 11.
The company made the support a key point in
its Windows 11 announcement, yet it was
nowhere to be seen when Windows 11
was released.
It remains unavailable to most users. You
must enroll in the Windows Insider program,
install a Windows 11 preview build, update
the Microsoft Store app, then search for and
install the Amazon Appstore from the
Microsoft Store. Microsoft hasn’t said when
Android app support will reach full release.
Chrome OS, by contrast, has offered
Android app support for years. The Google
Play store is integrated into Chrome OS and
has a shortcut right on the operating
system’s taskbar.
Opening the Google Play store
automatically logs you in (if you’re loggedproblem: It currently supports a tiny sliver of
all apps on the Amazon Appstore. There is a
list of just 50 apps and, frankly, it’s a dire
situation. TikTok, for example, was shown at
the Windows 11 reveal but is not yet
supported. Instead, you’ll find five different
versions of My Talking Tom.
It’s reasonable to assume that Microsoft
will expand Android app support in the
future, but how much and how quickly
remains to be seen. Android app support
for Windows 11 is still in beta (fave.
co/3dZASWp), so it could be months
before additional apps gain support.
This hands Chrome OS an easy and
significant win over Windows 11. Android
app support isn’t useful if the apps you want
aren’t available. Odds are you’ll encounter
The Amazon Appstore can be hit or miss.