Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its decision to discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android, which was designed to allow Android apps to run natively on Windows 11. However, in May, Microsoft and Tencent unexpectedly announced a partnership to bring Android apps to Windows 11 PCs in China. The first fruits of this partnership are now available to Windows Insiders in China.

Specifically, Chinese Windows Insiders can now access the Microsoft Store and explore Android games provided by Tencent. Popular games, including PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, REDnote, and Kuaishou, are available for download in the Microsoft Store. This integration is similar to the Amazon Appstore in the Microsoft Store that was previously rolled out.

As you can see in the screenshot above, the Tencent MyApp icon is part of the Microsoft Store navigation bar on the left. Users can click on that icon to explore all the games available to play on their Windows 11 PC.

Commenting on the availability of Tencent MyApp in the Microsoft Store app in China, a Microsoft representative said:

This partnership opens up exciting growth opportunities for mobile developers in China, expanding their reach and engagement on Windows.

Previously, Tencent Vice President Lin Songtao also shared about the cooperation agreement with Microsoft:

PCs have a huge user base, and we hope to work with Microsoft Store and Intel to provide mobile device developers with technology, traffic, and commercialization support in cross-terminal integration, jointly promoting the prosperity and development of the PC application ecosystem, bringing users a better experience across multiple terminals.

As part of the partnership, Tencent plans to bring more than 1,500 mobile apps and games to the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 users in China. The partnership marks a major step in bridging the gap between mobile and PC platforms, especially in the Chinese market. It will be interesting to see how this partnership develops and whether it will be expanded to other countries and regions in the future.

Kareem Winters

Update 09 December 2024