Microsoft killed Android apps on Windows 11, but they’re back in taskbar Search, streamed from your phone

Microsoft officially ended support for the Windows Subsystem for Android in March 2025, and with it went the ability to install and run Android apps natively on Windows 11. Many users assumed that was the end of the story. It turns out Android apps are quietly returning to Windows 11, this time through the taskbar Search box, with the apps streamed from your phone instead of running on your PC.

While testing a recent Windows 11 preview build, we found that Search can now surface apps installed on a connected Android phone. Clicking one launches it and mirrors it through Phone Link. Here is how it worked in our test, what to expect, and where the limits are.

How Microsoft Ended Android Apps on Windows

When Microsoft introduced Android app support in Windows 11, it was one of the headline features. The Windows Subsystem for Android let users install apps through the Amazon Appstore and run them in windows beside regular desktop software. It was Ambitious, but adoption never matched the early excitement.

Microsoft eventually confirmed it would retire the feature and the Amazon Appstore on Windows. After the cutoff date, previously installed apps stopped working and new installations were no longer possible. For many people, that closed the door on mobile apps on the desktop.

What Has Changed in Taskbar Search

The new behavior is built into the Windows 11 Search experience. When your Android phone is linked to your PC, Search can list apps from the phone alongside your local results. Typing the name of an app such as a messaging or banking tool can bring up the phone version as a result.

This is a different approach from the old subsystem. Nothing is installed on the PC, and the app is not emulated locally. Search simply acts as a shortcut to something that is already on your phone.

Setting Up Phone Link for the Feature

To try it, you need Phone Link on Windows 11 and the Link to Windows app on your Android device. Pairing is done by scanning a QR code or signing in with the same Microsoft account. You also have to grant the permissions the app requests, including access to apps on the phone.

In our test, the setup took only a few minutes. Once the devices were connected, the Android app list synced, and Search began showing phone apps without any extra configuration on our part.

Launching an Android App From Search

After typing an app name, the phone app appeared in the results with a label that indicated it came from the phone. Selecting it opened a Phone Link window on the PC. A few seconds later, the app appeared inside that window as a live mirror of the phone screen.

We could use the mouse and keyboard to interact with the app, scrolling, tapping, and typing as expected. The experience felt similar to using Phone Link's existing app feature, but opening it directly from Search makes it much faster to reach.

Streaming Versus Running Apps Natively

The key difference is that the app is running on your phone, not your PC. Windows only receives a video stream of the screen and sends your input back. That means the app uses your phone's processor, storage, and battery.

The upside is wide compatibility, since any app on the phone can potentially be used. The downside is that performance depends on the connection between the devices, and you cannot use the app if the phone is off, out of range, or disconnected.

Performance and Limitations We Noticed

In our testing, basic apps felt responsive, with only a slight delay when scrolling. Graphically heavy apps and games were less smooth, and some apps limited screen mirroring for security reasons. A few simply displayed a blank window or refused to launch.

Another limitation is that the phone screen often remains active during streaming. Depending on device and settings, the phone may stay awake while the app is in use. Compatibility also varies by manufacturer, with Samsung and some other devices having more complete support.

Privacy and Permissions to Consider

Because Search can see your installed phone apps, users should understand what data is shared. Phone Link needs permission to view app lists, notifications, and mirrored content. Microsoft says the connection is tied to your account and paired devices.

If you are uncomfortable with this, you can disable app access in Phone Link settings or unlink the phone entirely. It is worth reviewing these options before enabling the feature on a shared or work PC.

Is This a Real Replacement for Android Apps?

Not exactly. Streaming from a phone cannot fully replace native Android apps on Windows, especially for people who relied on them without owning a compatible phone. It also does not bring back app installation from a store on the PC.

Still, for users who want quick access to phone-only apps while working at a desk, it is a practical option. Microsoft appears to be shifting its strategy from running Android on Windows to connecting the two ecosystems more tightly, and taskbar Search is becoming one of the main places where that connection shows up.

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