With the release of Windows 11, the promised start of native support for Android apps has been delayed, but when it arrives, Android apps will be available for installation through the overhauled Microsoft Store.

At least initially, these apps will come from the Amazon Appstore, which Microsoft is integrating into the Microsoft Store for Windows. However, there is another way to add Android apps to the Start menu and taskbar.

As Gizmodo reports, there is an option to install APK files, a standard file type for Android apps. Microsoft Distinguished Engineer Miguel de Icaza confirmed that this is the case, responding to a question on Twitter.De Icaza is involved in the Windows 11 Android project and has been working on the Intel Bridge Technology to run Android apps natively, not in an emulator.

The ability for users to side-load Android apps means that they will not simply be limited to the Amazon Appstore's meager software selection. They can obtain APK files from third-party distributors (or even the Google Play Store if they know how) and install them on their Windows 11 machines. However, it is worth taking extra precautions to avoid installing apps that contain malware.

How this process works is not yet entirely clear; it would be great if installing the APK were as easy as running (i.e., double-clicking) a standard .EXE file. As Gizmodo points out, some apps require device permissions, and Google apps may not work because they need access to Google services and APIs.

Still, this is an exciting addition to the Windows 11 platform and will allow PC users to use a much wider range of apps than they otherwise would.