Major Windows Subsystem for Android update released for Windows 11

An updated version of the subsystem became available to participants in the Windows Insider program on the Dev channel Windows Subsystem for Android (2204.40000.15.0) for Windows 11, which brings with it several new features and improvements. In particular, the system has been updated to Android 12.1, the integration of the subsystem with Windows has been improved, and a new Settings interface has been introduced.

Update to Android 12.1

Microsoft has updated the operating system to Android 12.1. True, because of this, some applications may not start (for more details, see the Known Issues section).

Optional telemetry

In the new version of the subsystem, the collection of optional diagnostic data is disabled by default. If you want to help improve Windows Subsystem for Android, then enable this option in the “Windows Subsystem for Android Settings” app. After that, the subsystem will start sending information about the use of Android applications to Microsoft.

Advanced networking

New insider builds (Build 22621+) improve networking with Windows Subsystem for Android so that Android apps can connect to devices on the same network as your Windows PC. With advanced networking capabilities, you can play content on the speaker on the same network, or set up a security camera (or other smart home device) using a compatible Android app.

Redesign of the Settings app

Microsoft has completely redesigned the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app. Settings groups have become clearer, application navigation has become more logical, and the user interface itself has become more pleasing to the eye. Added a tool to view diagnostic data collected by the subsystem. In addition, new compatibility options have been added to fix certain applications that allow you to force a window size limit or enable swiping with the arrow keys.

Improved integration with Windows

Microsoft has greatly improved the integration of Android apps with Windows. In Windows 11 Insider Builds (Build 22621+), the taskbar will indicate which Android apps are currently using the microphone, location, and other system services. Also, the taskbar will now correctly hide and appear when using Android apps.

Toast notifications now appear as regular Windows notifications, and Android app window title can display activity information. In addition, new builds of Windows 11 (Build 22621+) will prevent Android apps from restarting when the device wakes up from Connected Standby, so you can pick up where you left off.

Camera improvements in Android apps

Many improvements have been made to the operation of the camera in the subsystem. The camera orientation is now fixed in its natural position. Fixed issues with camera preview not working properly, letterboxing errors, and squashing of the camera image.

Input improvements

The new version of the subsystem has improved mouse and keyboard support. In particular, support for the mouse wheel has been improved, fixes have been made for the focus of the on-screen keyboard and the display of the software keyboard in Android.

• Windows Subsystem for Android has been updated to Android 12.1.
• Enhanced networking is enabled by default in new builds of Windows x64.
• The Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app has been updated with a redesigned user interface and a tool for viewing diagnostic data.
• The Simpleperf tool now supports Windows Subsystem for Android.
• The Windows taskbar now shows which Android apps are using the microphone and location.
• Improved display of notifications from Android applications. Now they are displayed as regular Windows notifications.
• Reduced the flickering effect when restoring applications from a minimized state.
• Now applications do not restart when the device exits standby mode (Connected Standby). The change only works in new builds of Windows 11.
• Added support for hardware video decoding with VP8 and VP9 codecs.
• Implemented fixes for the on-screen keyboard in applications.
• Implemented fixes for full-screen Android apps and improved automatic hiding of the Windows taskbar.
• Windows Subsystem for Android now uses Chromium WebView 100.
• Added support for Android NetworkLocationProvider in addition to GpsLocationProvider.
• Improved stability, performance and reliability of the subsystem.

• On devices with ARM processors, camera operation is unstable.
• Printing from Android apps is unstable.
• Some applications displayed at lower resolutions may not display correctly.
• Some VPN services may not work with advanced network subsystem capabilities. If you are using a VPN and notice that Android apps cannot connect to the network, then disable Advanced Networking in the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app.
• Some apps that were previously available may disappear, stop running, or work incorrectly due to various known issues. Microsoft is working with partners to fix the issues as soon as possible.