One of the features that Windows 11 brings is native support for Android applications, including games. It has been years since Microsoft started trying to add native support for Android apps to the Windows Operating system, but the release of Windows 11 is what finally brings the feature to consumers. So, here is how to play Android games on a Windows 11 computer.
Windows 11 is one of the most significant updates Microsoft has released to the operating system. Apart from a redesigned user interface that includes a centered taskbar like what is available on macOS and Chrome OS. There is a new Microsoft Store, new snap layouts that make multitasking much better, new and improved gestures for computers with a touchscreen and even display improvements such as Dynamic Refresh Rate and Auto HDR.
Currently, official support for Android apps and games is available in two ways. The first one is via the Amazon Appstore, which Microsoft announced with the release of Windows 11, and the other is via Google Play Games. Users have to be enrolled in the Beta or Dev channel for the first method but will have to join the Windows Insider Program to do this. The steps include going to Settings, selecting Windows Update at the bottom of the list on the left pane, and choosing Windows Insider Program. When done and the computer is restarted, the Amazon Appstore should be available when searched for under the Microsoft Store. Installing the app will provide access to Amazon's Android apps and games suite.
Google Joins The Party With Play Games
Unfortunately, the Amazon Appstore only has a handful of apps and games available as not the whole library is accessible on Windows 11. Microsoft has revealed that this is because it is still in the testing phase, and more apps and games will be available going forward. To solve the lack of games, Google has joined in the party by bringing Google Play Games to Windows via an app made for the platform, but this too is only available in a beta form of some sort. Unlike Amazon's Appstore, which is available only on Windows 11, Google is making its own open to Windows 10 users too.
It is limited to very few locations, and the list doesn't include any North American or European country. There is also a waitlist which even further narrows down the users. Those in the eligible regions, which include Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, have to register on the Play Games Beta page, and an invite will be sent to selected individuals. Their PCs also have to meet the minimum requirements such as Windows 10 (v2004) or later, SSD storage, "gaming-class" GPU, 8GB of RAM, and at least 20GB of storage space. The complete requirements are listed on the site. Like Amazon, only a few games are available, but Google has said more will be added in addition to opening up the program to more regions this year.
These are not the only ways to run Android games on a Windows PC, as people have been running Android apps on Windows for years via emulators. The most popular one is BlueStacks, but there are other popular ones along with guides on how to get them up and running.
Source: Google, Google Play Games