With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced native support for running Android apps on your PC. This seamless integration allows users to enjoy their favorite mobile apps directly on their desktop. To enable this feature, you'll need the 'Windows Subsystem for Android' app. While it's officially available through the Microsoft Store, it might not be accessible in all regions just yet. Fortunately, there's an alternative method to download and install it without using the Microsoft Store.

Understanding Windows Subsystem for Android

The Windows Subsystem for Android is a component that allows Windows 11 to run Android applications. It works by integrating Linux kernels and the Android OS into a virtual machine environment on your PC. This subsystem leverages the 'Virtual Machine Platform' and the 'Windows Subsystem for Linux' features of Windows to provide a native-like experience for Android apps.

While Microsoft distributes the Windows Subsystem for Android through the Microsoft Store, regional availability may vary. If you can't access it through the store, you can manually download the msixbundle file and install it yourself.

Downloading the Windows Subsystem for Android msixbundle File

To download the Windows Subsystem for Android without the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:

  1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to store.rg-adguard.net.
  2. Click on the first drop-down menu and select ProductId.
  1. In the text field next to the drop-down menu, enter the Product ID: 9P3395VX91NR.
  2. From the second drop-down menu, select Slow.
  3. Click the checkbox button to search for the msixbundle file directly from Microsoft's servers.

A list of files will appear on the page. Scroll down to find the file with the .msixbundle extension—it will be the largest file, around 1.2GB or more. Right-click on this file and select Save link as from the context menu.

Save the file to a convenient location on your computer and wait for the download to complete.

Installing Windows Subsystem for Android from the msixbundle File

After downloading the msixbundle file, you'll need to install it manually:

  1. Click on the Start menu and select All apps to view all installed applications.
  1. Scroll down to find Windows Terminal. Right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.

If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to proceed. If you're not logged in as an administrator, enter the administrator credentials.

  1. In the Windows Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Path\to\your\downloaded\file.msixbundle"

Note: Replace C:\Path\to\your\downloaded\file.msixbundle with the actual file path and name of the msixbundle file you downloaded.

The installation process will begin, and you can monitor its progress in the terminal window. Wait until the installation completes.

  1. Once installed, close the Windows Terminal. Open the Start menu, type Windows Subsystem in the search bar, and select the Windows Subsystem for Android app to launch it.

You can also find it listed under All apps in the Start menu.

For a more straightforward method to sideload Android apps, consider using the WSATools app from the Microsoft Store. This tool simplifies the installation of APK files on Windows 11. Learn more in our guide on setting up WSATools to install Android APKs on Windows 11.