Windows 11’s Android subsystem gets a new feature (PiP mode), faster performance

Microsoft has just published April 2023 update for Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 with one new feature and a couple of bug fixes. This month’s update introduces support for one prominent feature, picture-in-picture, which allows you to open Android apps in a small window on top of native apps.

So how does picture-in-picture mode work in Android Subsystem for Windows? All you need to do is open an app in full-screen mode as you would generally do and click the new PiP icon, which should shrink the app into the PiP mode. Now, you can open other Windows or Android apps and reposition the PiP Android app around your screen.

You can test WSA’s PiP mode with YouTube and improve your multitasking experience. This feature is available in Windows Subsystem for Android version 2303.40000.3.0 in the Windows Insider Channels. Microsoft officials describe this feature as a new way to improve the “flexibility” of running mobile apps on PC.

In addition to Picture-in-Picture mode, there are several other improvements in the latest update for Windows 11. For example, a new “Partially running” system setting has been added to Settings. This allows users to run the subsystem with minimal resources and is faster on lower-end hardware.

This means apps launch quicker, and users can expect overall performance to be much better at the cost of experience.

Finally, there are some bug fixes and improvements. For example, Microsoft is updating the Linux kernel version to 5.15.78 and making changes to improve platform reliability. Lastly, there are Android 13 security updates included in the update.

Android apps integration to get even better on Windows 11

WSA is one of the most exciting features of Windows 11, and watching its development unfold is fascinating. Microsoft has big plans for WSA, and the company confirmed in its roadmap that it will add more new features in the coming month.

In a future update, Microsoft will support file transfer to Android, allowing users to quickly transfer files between File Explorer and Android apps. Another update will bring back support for shortcuts for easier access on Windows.

Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) has been around for more than a year, and it is the foundation for downloading mobile apps through the Amazon Appstore. Thanks to ADB support and third-party apps like WSATools, it is possible to sideload Android APKs and App bundles.

In addition to these updates, Microsoft is trying to bring hundreds and thousands of Android apps to Windows Store via Amazon Store.