Microsoft has recently announced a strategic partnership with Tencent, aimed at bringing more than 1,500 Android applications and games from the Tencent App Store to the Microsoft Store on Windows. This collaboration is particularly significant given Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) next year.
In the past, Microsoft had introduced native support for Google’s mobile ecosystem through WSA technology on Windows 11. However, users were limited in accessing the Google Play app service, with only a few options available through the Amazon App Store. The discontinuation of WSA support is set to commence on March 5, 2025.
The partnership with Tencent is targeted at the Chinese market, where PC users will have easy access to popular Tencent mobile applications such as PUBG or Kings Honor. These apps will operate as regular desktop apps while remaining Android apps.
Intel is also involved in this collaboration, offering Celadon virtualization technology to ensure the smooth operation of Android applications on x86 CPUs. Consequently, users can expect improved performance, including higher frame rates, better graphics, and the utilization of computer hardware for AI acceleration.
While the discontinuation of WSA may raise concerns, Microsoft’s collaboration with Tencent demonstrates a continued commitment to supporting Android applications on Windows, at least in the Chinese market. It remains to be seen if Microsoft plans to expand this initiative to other markets.