The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes—but Windows 11’s built-in option uses apps from a connected Android phone; it does not install them as native Windows apps. Phone Link can mirror apps on select phones, while Google Play Games on PC supports certain mobile games. The former Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore route is no longer available for new Microsoft Store installations.
What “using Android apps” means in Windows 11
There are two different things people may mean by running Android apps on a PC: opening apps that still run on a phone and are shown on the PC, or installing Android apps to run locally in Windows. Phone Link offers the first experience on supported devices. It does not turn a phone app into a native Windows application.
Microsoft describes Phone Link’s Apps feature as a way to use apps from an Android phone on a PC. The app continues running on the phone, and the PC displays and interacts with it. You can learn more in Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements and setup guide.
What Phone Link can do—and what it requires
Phone Link connects a Windows PC to a compatible Android phone. Depending on the phone and available features, it can provide access to messages, photos, calls, notifications, and an Apps experience. General Phone Link requirements include Windows 11 (or a supported Windows 10 PC), Android 10 or later, and the PC and phone on the same Wi-Fi network.
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#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Those general requirements do not guarantee access to app streaming. Microsoft limits Apps to selected Android devices; check the current supported-device information before assuming a particular phone model is eligible. On supported phones, you can open phone apps in PC windows, pin them to Windows locations, and use the PC’s keyboard, mouse, or other input devices. Some apps and games may not work well with a mouse or keyboard.
How many apps you can use at once also depends on the phone and operating-system combination. Multiple simultaneous apps are available only for qualifying combinations; most other supported phones allow one app at a time. Microsoft Support also states: “The Phone Link doesn’t currently support multiple Android profiles or work/school accounts.”
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
How the available routes compare
| Option | Where it runs | What it covers | Phone required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Link Apps | On the connected Android phone; the PC shows and controls the app | Apps on selected supported phones | Yes |
| Google Play Games on PC | On the Windows PC through Google’s PC gaming client | Supported mobile games, not a general Android app catalog | No connected phone is specified as a requirement for the PC gaming client |
| Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore | Formerly provided an Android app route in Windows | No longer available for new Microsoft Store installations | Not applicable to new Store installations |
What happened to the Windows Subsystem for Android?
Microsoft says the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) and Amazon Appstore were no longer available in the Microsoft Store starting March 5, 2025. That date describes Store availability; it does not, by itself, establish that components already installed stopped working immediately on that date. See Microsoft’s notice about Amazon Appstore on Windows.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When Google Play Games on PC is the right choice
If your goal is to play a supported Android game on a Windows PC, Google Play Games on PC is a separate option. It is a PC gaming client for supported titles, not a way to browse and install Android apps generally. Check Google Play Games on PC for its supported games and current requirements.
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Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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