Microsoft and Tencent have joined forces to bring Tencent apps and games to the Microsoft Store in China, providing PC users in the country with easier access to popular mobile applications. This partnership comes as Microsoft announced plans to end support for Windows Subsystem on Android (WSA) by March 5, 2025, leaving users searching for alternatives to run Android apps on Windows.
The integration of Tencent apps into the Microsoft Store in China will allow for over 1,500 mobile apps to be supported, utilizing both Intel Bridge and Celadon to run on x86 and Arm-based systems. While Microsoft’s decision to discontinue WSA may have left some users in China concerned about the future of Android apps on Windows, the collaboration with Tencent ensures that these apps will still be available through emulation technology.
Despite the end of WSA, users will still have options to run Android apps on Windows 11, with popular solutions like Bluestacks continuing to provide access to a wide range of applications. The addition of Tencent games to the Microsoft Store in China further expands the gaming options available to PC users, offering a new way to enjoy popular mobile games on a larger screen.
Overall, the partnership between Microsoft and Tencent represents a significant step towards enhancing the app ecosystem for PC users in China, providing them with a seamless experience to discover and download Tencent apps and games through the Microsoft Store.