Microsoft Confirms Android APKs Can Be Sideloaded In Windows 11
At the Windows 11 reveal event, we got to see several new features, which are quite exciting. One of these new features is the ability to install and run Android apps on Windows 11, as if they were regular programs, via the Amazon Appstore. But what about cases where an app you need is not available for the Appstore?
The Android apps feature coming to the Windows 11 is happening is thanks to a partnership between Amazon and Intel with its Intel Bridge Technology. This technology is the important part of the equation here, as it is a “runtime post-compiler that enables applications to run natively on x86-based devices, including running those applications on Windows.” In short, this means apps compiled for mobile devices are tweaked so they can run without issue on desktop processors. Sadly, Microsoft only mentioned that apps were to be acquired through the Amazon Appstore, which is, by some accounts, not the best.
There definitely could be security risks in letting people sideload APKs onto their PCs, but so long as Microsoft has built everything out safely, it should be less of a problem. In any case, it is nice to see Microsoft allowing for this non-standard usage, but let us know what you think of APKs on Windows in the comments below.
