The Windows Subsystem for Android app does not open on Windows 11.

TADE Tenyp 0 Reputation points
2026-04-24T11:52:26.21+00:00

Hello, we are experiencing a strange issue with the Windows Subsystem for Android on our office Windows 11 computers. The Subsystem for Android installs normally, and we can install apps, but when we try to open file folders or apps like the Amazon Appstore, nothing happens. No windows pop up, no error messages appear, and clicking is completely impossible. Because of this problem, we are unable to test Android apps internally, which is quite frustrating as our team members have been waiting for this feature for a long time.

We have checked the OS versions, and they all appear to be the latest versions, yet the problem persists. Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon where apps install but do not run? If there is a solution, I would appreciate it if you could let me know.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Configure application groups
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  1. Harry Phan 28,050 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-24T12:29:55.37+00:00

    Hello TADE,

    The behavior you’re describing is not a local fault but the result of Microsoft’s retirement of the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore integration. As of March 2025, WSA is no longer supported on Windows 11, and while the subsystem package can still be installed, the runtime components needed to launch apps have been disabled. That’s why you see successful installation but no window or process when attempting to open folders or the Appstore.

    There is no registry, PowerShell, or configuration change that will restore functionality, since the removal is enforced at the OS and Store level. For internal Android app testing, the supported alternatives are to use the Android Emulator provided with Android Studio, or third‑party virtualization solutions such as BlueStacks or Genymotion, or to provision dedicated Android test devices. If you require centralized deployment, you can integrate emulators into Hyper‑V or VMware environments. Microsoft has confirmed that no further fixes or updates will be released for WSA, so waiting for a patch will not resolve the issue. The only viable path forward is to migrate your testing workflow to one of the supported emulator or device‑based solutions.

    If the above response helps answer your question, please hit "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    Harry.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-24T11:52:40.0333333+00:00

    On Windows 11, when Android apps (including Amazon Appstore) install but do not open and show no error, use the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) troubleshooting steps:

    1. Restart the Windows Subsystem for Android
      1. Select Start and search for Windows Subsystem for Android Settings (or Windows Subsystem for Android™).
      2. Open it and select Shutdown Subsystem. This closes WSA and any open Android apps.
      3. After it shuts down, open any installed mobile app (for example, Amazon Appstore) to automatically restart the Subsystem and see if the window now appears.
    2. Ensure Control Flow Guard (CFG) is enabled (apps won’t open if it is off)
      1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security.
      2. Open Windows Security.
      3. In Windows Security, select App & browser control > Exploit protection settings.
      4. Under System settings, locate Control flow guard (CFG) and set it to Use default (On).
      5. Restart the PC and try launching the Android apps again.
    3. Check WSA settings that can affect behavior
      1. Open Windows Subsystem for Android™ Settings from Start > All apps.
      2. Under Subsystem resources, change from As needed to Continuous to improve stability and performance.
      3. If touch input or interaction is not working inside Android windows, ensure Subsystem Screen Reader is turned off.
    4. If apps still do not open or crash immediately
      1. Force-close the affected app:
        • Go to Start > search Apps & features.
        • Find the Android app (for example, Amazon Appstore), select More > Advanced options > Terminate.
        • Try opening it again.
      2. Restart the Subsystem again using the Shutdown Subsystem option and then relaunch the app.
    5. Network-related checks (if apps appear to hang due to connectivity)
      1. Open Windows Subsystem for Android™ Settings and check Advanced networking.
        • If Advanced networking is On, Windows Firewall changes will not affect connectivity.
        • If Advanced networking is Off, verify firewall settings:
          • Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
          • Select App & browser control > Firewall & network protection.
          • Select the active network profile and ensure Block all incoming connections is not selected.
    6. Confirm regional and support status
      • The Amazon Appstore and WSA are only supported in specific countries/regions, and WSA/Amazon Appstore are no longer available in the Microsoft Store starting March 5, 2025. Verify that the environment is in a supported region and that the deployment model aligns with current support guidance. For region details, see Countries and regions that support Amazon Appstore on Windows in the referenced documentation.
    7. If the issue persists across multiple devices
      • Use Feedback Hub to report the behavior so it can be investigated:
        1. Press Windows logo key + F.
        2. Describe the issue (apps install but no window appears when launched).
        3. Select Apps > Windows Subsystem for Android™ as the category.

    These steps address the documented causes where Android apps on Windows 11 install but will not open or appear to do nothing when launched.

    References:

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