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Windows Insiders are getting a taste of Android 13 today as Microsoft begins to push out the newest software update to those on Windows 11’s Windows Subsystem for Android build. Back when Windows 11 was initially announced, Microsoft confirmed that it would end up with native support for Android apps.
The feature wasn’t present in Windows 11 right away but it did come later on. That feature took the form of the Windows Subsystem for Android. Which allows access to Amazon’s App Store to download and install apps right on your PC. Until today though, Windows Insiders were using a build based on Android 12, so the update to Android 13 should be a nice surprise.
There aren’t a whole lot of changes to the software with this update. And you’re still limited to the Amazon App Store. But there are a few changes worth noting.
All Windows Insiders get access to Android 13
First and foremost, perhaps the biggest change with this update is that all Windows Insiders have access. As noted by XDA, users previously had to be a WSA preview program member. Those that were, were given the chance to start testing the beta for Android 13 at the end of last year.
With today’s release, you don’t need to be a Preview Program member. But you do need to be a Windows Insider. That’s important for one key reason, and that’s the fact that this isn’t a global release. Since the Insider program isn’t available everywhere globally yet. As for changes with this release, it’s mostly improvements to already available features. But that doesn’t make them any less important.
For starters, Microsoft says that this latest release brings improvements for the boot performance, the mouse click input, the clipboard stability, and the application resizing. That last one should be a standout change. As you may want to resize app windows more often than you think.
Additionally, there are improvements to the reliability of opening media files in Windows, and jumplist entries for apps supporting shortcuts have been added. If you’re a Windows 11 user and part of the Insider program, you should be able to install this update.