VmmemWSA represents the virtualized environment used by Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), so it can use memory while Android apps run or while WSA remains active. To stop it, open Windows Subsystem for Android Settings and select Shutdown Subsystem; to reduce idle use, choose As needed under Memory and performance. WSA and the Amazon Appstore are no longer available in the Microsoft Store for new installations as of March 5, 2025, but these controls may still be available if WSA is already installed.
What VmmemWSA does
Windows Subsystem for Android runs Android applications in a virtualized environment. VmmemWSA is the Windows process associated with that environment; it is not itself an ordinary Android app. Its memory use can reflect the subsystem and its running apps.
Memory remaining in use after closing Android apps does not by itself prove a leak. Microsoft documents that the Continuous resource mode keeps mobile-app resources in use even when no Android app is open. WSA can also start again when you open an Android app.
Do not confuse VmmemWSA with a generic Vmmem process. Other virtualization software and Windows features can use Vmmem, so the process name alone may not identify the source. Microsoft Q&A distinguishes WSA from other Vmmem users.
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Check whether VmmemWSA is using the memory
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Processes.
- Click the Memory column to sort by RAM usage.
- Check whether VmmemWSA accounts for the memory use you are investigating.
Also check other large applications, such as a browser, game, development environment, or another virtual machine. A generic Vmmem entry may have a different cause from VmmemWSA.
Shut down WSA from its Settings app
Microsoft documents Shutdown Subsystem as the way to stop WSA cleanly. This closes WSA and its open Android apps. Save any work in those apps first.
- Select Start.
- Search for Windows Subsystem for Android Settings and open it. Alternatively, find Windows Subsystem for Android under Start > All apps.
- Select Shutdown Subsystem.
- Wait several seconds, then check Task Manager again.
Opening an Android app starts WSA again automatically. If the Settings app is missing, WSA may not be installed or available on that system.
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Reduce WSA background memory use
If WSA is installed, change its resource mode in the Settings app:
- Open Start > All apps > Windows Subsystem for Android.
- Open Advanced settings.
- Under Memory and performance, select As needed.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| As needed | Uses resources while mobile apps are in use; the first app may take longer to start. |
| Partially running | Keeps minimal resources available so apps launch faster than in As needed mode. |
| Continuous | Keeps mobile-app resources in use even when no Android app is open, for the fastest launches. |
The same settings area includes Memory Allocation, where users can specify the amount of memory WSA uses. Microsoft does not publish a universal numeric range for this setting in the referenced support material. See Microsoft’s instructions for managing mobile-app settings.
Restart WSA if resource use seems abnormal
Microsoft recommends shutting down and restarting the subsystem to address many mobile-app problems. Save work in Android apps, select Shutdown Subsystem in WSA Settings, and then open an Android app to start WSA again. Microsoft’s troubleshooting and FAQ page documents this control.
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If memory use rises again, check whether a particular app or the selected resource mode explains it. Do not disable Hyper-V simply because VmmemWSA appears: the dossier does not establish that as a fix, and a Microsoft Q&A report describes it as ineffective for a VmmemWSA instance.
Uninstall WSA if you no longer use Android apps
Uninstalling WSA prevents its virtualized environment from running, but also removes the Amazon Appstore and all installed Android apps. Microsoft documents this removal path:
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- Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Select Windows Subsystem for Android.
- Choose More, then Uninstall, and confirm.
Uninstalling just one Android app removes that app and its related data, not WSA. Uninstalling the Amazon Appstore, in contrast, also uninstalls WSA and all mobile apps. See Microsoft’s uninstall instructions.
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Microsoft states that WSA and the Amazon Appstore are no longer available in the Microsoft Store starting March 5, 2025. Existing installations may still have the documented settings controls, but new Store installations are no longer available. Microsoft’s troubleshooting page explains the availability change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Is VmmemWSA malware?
VmmemWSA is associated with Windows Subsystem for Android, not normally a separate application or malware. If you are unsure about your system, check installed apps and run a Windows Security scan rather than deleting system files.
Why does VmmemWSA use memory when no Android app is open?
The Continuous mode keeps mobile-app resources in use with no app open. Check Advanced settings > Memory and performance and choose As needed to use resources only while apps are in use.
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- Compatible with select DDR4 SODIMM capable Laptop, Notebook, Mini PC, and All-in-One (AIO) computer systems. Please verify your system's memory type, form factor, and maximum supported capacity before purchasing
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Can I limit how much memory VmmemWSA uses?
WSA Settings includes Memory Allocation, where you can specify the amount of memory WSA uses. The Microsoft support information cited here does not provide a universal numeric range.
Does ending VmmemWSA in Task Manager permanently stop it?
Directly ending the visible process is not Microsoft’s documented control method. Use Shutdown Subsystem in WSA Settings; opening an Android app starts the subsystem again.
Will uninstalling one Android app remove WSA?
No. Uninstalling an individual Android app removes that app and its related data. Uninstalling WSA removes the subsystem, Amazon Appstore, and all installed Android apps.
Can I install WSA from the Microsoft Store now?
Microsoft says WSA and the Amazon Appstore have not been available in the Microsoft Store since March 5, 2025. An existing installation may still have WSA settings, but new Store installations are no longer available.
