Finally Closing the App Gap: Android Apps on Surface with the Google Play Store

For the 9th day of Microsoftober, we're walking through the experience of installing Android on Surface, most notably the Google Play Store.
Buy the Surface Pro 9 here (this is a partner link, meaning I might earn a small amount of commission if you purchase through this link)
howl.me/cig8mUQ10RQ
Reference: (see the written guide here)
www.techadvisor.com/article/7...
An alternative link to the script can be found on the project's GitHub: github.com/WSA-Community/WSAG...
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[@TyBardy]

the file to download is no longer available... Im about the send this surgace pro 9 back... i only bought this thing because i was told they could accept android apps

[@_Digitalguy]

Great video, I bet this is going to get more and more views over time by people looking to run Android on Windows 11. Anyway, that was similar to my experience with my Surface Book 3 on Windows 11. And let me tell you, 16GB RAM does not help. WSA is basically a virtual machine so you are constanly taxing the CPU at around 25% just to have it open. And because of the emulation Android itself does not run great, notably it has latency. For instance audio is not always perfectly synced, especially with wireless earbuds, pen has latency etc. To be honest I don't have much use for Android if I have Windows, the only thing that works better on Android is second screen apps, especially Superdisplay, which is superior to Windows Miracast, but the latency actually makes it inferior in this case.... So while it's nice to have, I have basically never used it in several months... Concerning the eraser, it works only on Onenote on Android (I have an android tablet that supports the surface pen) not on Word for instance or on other non Microsoft apps.

[@AgentZeroNine1]

KZbin's installable PWA features video downloading for offline access. Hopefully more and more companies go down that route alongside adding more of the big apps on the Windows store.

[@432wheels]

Plus the desktop version has Play Queue that mobile versions dont have. One of my favourite features of watching KZbin on a non mobile version

[@freddynz]

btw, really looking forward to your coverage of SP9 tomorrow, im holding off a SP8 to see what the 9 is like 1st

[@innoiso]

I'm excited for the announcement! I think the biggest question is whether I just buy one or buy a couple!

[@freddynz]

@@innoiso lol, yep i reckon you'll have access b4 i do (im in New Zealand), Pro 9 is probably iterative of Pro 8, its the arm model that will be the more interesting.... but you totally should get both :)

[@vaibhavjain9284]

Hi @innoiso, I was pretty excited for this as I wanted to run play store apps on windows. But the links now explicitly say that the process is not recommended and can lead to system crash. Can you please verify if the process still works? I literally bought SP 8 after seeing this video, but haven't been able to implement it. Same with the SSD upgrade bought 256GB but finding M4 1TB ones is hard online internationally and then also the process is not easy and fought with risks of wiping out the system(installing windows through USB drive).

[@basmashi_]

Thanks! That was soo helpful 😊❤

[@Debabratache09]

Thanks for the video. I have installed it. But camera isn’t working. Any idea?

[@giecik2]

will work on Surface pro x sq1 16gb ram and 256ssd with win11?

[@King-Bobby]

Thanks for video, guessing this does not work with the Surface Pro X?

[@elielandrade1086]

hello, nice video, could you test the infinite painter app? I would like to know if the pen pressure works

[@TheNickoneal70]

would this work an a surface rt? i have an old surface rt and would like to get apple music and google maps on it

[@innoiso]

Unfortunately no. It requires Windows 10 or Windows 11

[@farhantanvir8991]

Can this be used for Android gaming?

[@clue69TT]

right after you enable developer options what are you downloading bro? That is a really important step that you skip pretty much

[@erikrounds]

Thanks for the video. Unfortunately, I had a similar experience. I love the Suprface Pro form factor, but it is seriously lacking in tablet mode app support. I've also tried installing android (Bliss OS) on the tablet directly without success.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Yeah the actual tablet functionality is an afterthought especially since they abandoned Windows 8. The form factor still has utility on a desk as a laptop because of its ability to be manipulated I don't think of it as a very useful tablet off the desk.

[@raxcentalruthenta1456]

Can you please update this guide?

[@yesspaces]

I used pro3 8 years ago to this year! It's also very good. But I'm disappointed to buy surface pro8 this year! It's been a month! Battery life is only four hours! Even 3 hours was hard today, don't know if this problem is just me! Do you have any comments you can give me! At the same time I also go to the point of sale to check if there is any problem with the machine. I'm just having trouble trying to give someone a usage data! There is no denying a good product!

[@alexandermendoza3524]

Do you think this is going to work decently on the Surface Go 3 with the i3 version?

[@innoiso]

I don't think so. It will probably work, assuming you have 8GB of RAM, but it won't be the best experience

[@sebb71222]

the download link doesnt work anymore

[@aaronagee983]

download what file?

[@cchan270]

Thanks for the video! However, seems like the download file is no longer there!

[@innoiso]

I just updated the description with a new link!

[@andrewholliday251]

And...it's gone again!😵‍💫

[@bonchisradu3919]

what file to download? all of a sudden there is a file to download. where from?

[@innoiso]

It's on the article linked in the description

[@NerdPanic]

You jumped from developer mode to "Download this file" ... what file??

[@innoiso]

It's in the GitHub link in the description

[@cristophersilvacampos3402]

the link for download is not available anymore. is there some other link to share?

[@innoiso]

Try looking up the Github for "WSAGAScript", that has its own guide as well

[@giecik2]

will work on Surface pro x sq1 16gb ram 256sdd?

[@Szklana147]

3:05 What is this file, that you download? Why everyone use similar files suggesting to download it form private cloud services instead of some official website?

[@innoiso]

I downloaded it from GitHub

[@Klinkertinlegs]

@@innoiso 3:04 You downloaded it from Mega. The github process is much more complicated and I've never been able to get it to work.

[@Szklana147]

@@Klinkertinlegs I've noticed that link. I am just really sceptical about downloading something I do not know and running it with admin privileges. Github looks more clear than link to private cloud.

[@Klinkertinlegs]

@@Szklana147 yeah, I wouldn’t. I also can’t get the GitHub one to work either, I just stopped trying

[@Klinkertinlegs]

@@Szklana147 and my comment was more to correct their comment about where they downloaded it from, since it wasn’t GitHub

[@TheBlueOwlX]

Is that Windows 11 22H2 on your Surface Pro 8? How did you get it?

[@hamez877]

its getting rolled out now.

[@TheBlueOwlX]

@@hamez877 my device has a safeguard hold. So I’ll have to wait a bit

[@EvilReFlex]

Does BlueStacks not run on a windows tablet?

[@innoiso]

It does! This is just a way to use Microsoft's built in Android emulation

[@FitriShukri]

will try on my SP8 and SG2

[@TheRubiksrocks]

Yoooo what??? You watch Framed?! A real Chad right here. 🙏👌🔥🤙💪

[@freddynz]

ahhh sadly nope..... installed ok, but try and launch a game and it crashes, i thought maybe my surface pro was the problem so put it on my desktop (gaming), and once again the apps just crash out...... what a pity as i would much prefer this over bluestacks if possible. Looks like Microsoft has some work to do still.

[@innoiso]

I'm going to try again in a few weeks (maybe with the Pro 9). Hoping that it's just firmware requirements or something.

[@exit261db9]

3:09 "download this file on x64 based devices"......what file?

[@devonagard7900]

I have the i5 8gig SP8. I use the standard subsystem for android method in Windows 11 and install apps not on the amazon store via apk files. Happy to say my experience using the android apps have been flawless. No crashes or slowdowns but the fan does ramp up with heavy use, which i think is understandable.

[@Jmpaul26]

Where can I find out how to get the standard subsystem you're referring to? Last time I tried it required me to go get the Amazon fire store or something like that, which felt useless

[@drewpaschal9294]

The file you reference on the website is no longer available.

[@innoiso]

Did you check the GitHub repository?

[@drewpaschal9294]

@@innoiso I did not. Was going by the guide on the web. I will attempt to check later. Was going to install on a Surface book 2.

[@ramonalbertomorenobenitez3172]

What file did you download on minute 3:00 ???

[@ramonalbertomorenobenitez3172]

nvm found it !, thanks!

[@innoiso]

If you follow the link in the description, in the guide there's this file attached: WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_x64_Release-Nightly. zip

[@cchan270]

@@innoiso oh no.. it says the file is no longer available...

[@freddynz]

totally gonna do this on my surface pro 6, question is, is it better or worse than Bluestacks? well actually i'll go do it now and answer my own question :)

[@innoiso]

Thanks for looking into it. I think Bluestacks just has a few more years of stability under its belt.

[@BoomMediaSocial]

I need a Metronome app which Windows Store won't have

[@glmelsonjr]

Great work, but its no good now since the download file is no longer there

[@innoiso]

I just updated the description with a new link!

[@glmelsonjr]

@@innoiso Thanks for the update. I have been watching your videos recently on the surface pro 8/ SPX/ and the Samsung galaxy S8 Tab. I am torn between all three, but can only have one. Do you prefer one over the other? I am leaving the ipad, and I take notes for church and my bible study. It is really down to the surface pro 8 and the tab S8 Plus. Unfortunately, cant have both. haha!

[@oscargilks8251]

@@innoiso still not working for me :(

[@psicologiajoseh]

I hope the new surface can run Android apps (games and others) fluidly.

[@maeltech8038]

Podrías probar juegos como call of duty mobile y apex legend mobile por favor?

[@sitoudien9816]

Doesn't My Phone put a android phone on your surface? Runs android phone apps right?

[@innoiso]

Yes, but not natively, apps can't go fullscreen, and you need an Android phone

[@432wheels]

One of the only apps that I prefer the mobile version over desktop is the official Feedly app but it just wont login when sideloading it on Windows 11

[@freddynz]

this obviously opens the question to Windows on arm SP9 on arm..... will it run Android natively, if so then obviously its the one to get !

[@innoiso]

I would love to see that!

[@raxcentalruthenta1456]

This guide no longer works as the download link for the ARM version provided in the guide no longer works.

[@DojiKing]

8g ram is the minimum the Android subsystem will run on. For a smooth experience you should have 16g ram.

[@cucciolo182]

Can you play games “ android games “ downloaded from google play ?

[@dixton1]

required file on Mega does not exist anymore. Task can not be done

[@innoiso]

Did you check the GitHub?

[@dixton1]

@@innoiso if you mean file on MagiscOnWSA, then yes. Same situation.

[@vincwong8498]

Cool but sucks, still cant utilise GPU, still cant game on it

[@terrycarlton6991]

Way too convoluted but thanks for showing all of the steps required

[@innoiso]

It is a bit complicated

[@kelvindean]

Microsoft needs to allow OEMs to support Google Play (i.e., Surface, Lenovo, Samsung, ASUS, Acer, Xiaomi).

[@iRl33t]

they probably plan on an eventual competitor to it.

[@TREXYT]

Hi, can you test fortnite mobile please ? Please make a video test on it

[@oscargilks8251]

@innoiso download link not working

[@innoiso]

Did you check the GitHub repo in the description?

[@galaxyunity]

bro you're turning your laptop into a Chromebook

[@fdumisa]

okay too involved for me, would love to get Google Play but I need a detailed step by step process of what you just did

[@innoiso]

Check the description!

[@andrewholliday251]

use the text instructions (check description) and cross your fingers that the download links are working - my fingers are still crossed....

[@gabrielgon3408]

You didn't try the launcher

[@innoiso]

I tried Nova Launcher, just didn't include it in the final cut because it was such a bad experience. Very buggy

[@gabrielgon3408]

@@innoiso what a disappointment... I use a Tab s8 ultra but office online is full of quirks, so I always keep an eye on what's going on in windows. Watched a video that the sq3 version is still pretty bad. Microsoft evolves way too slow

[@Jbrimbelibap]

Meanwhile i'm looking at installing windows 11 arm64 on my phone

[@innoiso]

Nice! Which phone! I'd love to try it sometime

[@Jbrimbelibap]

@@innoiso OnePlus 6 or Poco f1 are a nice choice, any phone supported by the renegade project works

[@clue69TT]

nevermind this is ridiculous

[@jt.8144]

I got rid of my Google Chromebook for a Surface instead. There's so much more on a Microsoft platform.

[@ReyRey277]

Damn they really need to step it up. Your paring so much for an un-optimized eye candy - They need some sort of Custom Windows to get eveything smoother - at this rate a smart phone with the same price could do the same job but way better. - your literally better off paying for a chromebook

[@innoiso]

Notably, this was to connect to the Google Play Store. The process of downloading apps from the Amazon App store would have been much quicker

[@00Clive00]

Does the Google play store keep itself updated and the downloaded apps updated aswell, also can you log in with your account. I'd watch the video, but I'm in bed, pretending to be asleep and not wake the girlfriend 🤫

[@innoiso]

Yes and yes!

[@00Clive00]

@@innoiso I have it all up and running, everything works as it should, do you if there's a way to make all apps automatically launch in full screen, Win + Shift + F11 works, but as I'm using a surface pro and want to use android apps when the keyboard is folded back,a keyboard command is annoying. The borderless window gaming program works, can even hide the taskbar at the same time, but it isn't proper fullscreen and have a large grey bar at the bottom. Cheers

[@woofinu]

You are right. Too techy and nerdy. Most people won't do it, even if it works better.

[@wakecoalition3834]

8G is way too little to run both windows and android subsystem..LOL

[@user-lx6nl6so6s]

aahaahhahahahahaha

[@romanowskiart]

Making dogs out of pogs……?

[@jayrome8764]

Microsoft have a far way to go regarding optimizing Android apps on Windows. ChromeOS does it way better.

[@innoiso]

Yeah for ChromeOS, it's largely due to it already being built on the Linux kernel, whereas Microsoft had to create a subsystem for Linux that Android runs on top of

[@JoshuaElorm]

This process is so cumbersome. It means my mum or dad can't do this without assistance which should be the goal. Should be easier and more intuitive and not just some technical process, windows and google need to work more closely cos this isn tit

[@DojiKing]

The Android sub system is not designed by Microsoft and Google teaming up. The version he installed is a modified version of the one Microsoft and Amazon teamed up and made for windows. The none modified version does not have the play store and apps must be bought though the Amazon App Store.

[@user-lx6nl6so6s]

ahhhhhhhhh

[@msp5138]

App gap? Surface devices including those on ARM run 35 million computer programs, iPads run 1.9 million smartphone apps and Android runs 2.8 million smartphone apps. So what are you talking about?

[@innoiso]

Welcome back to the channel. Yes, app gap, the thing that buried Windows RT in the first place. I'm well aware that Surfaces run a lot of legacy programs, but those programs aren't always tailored for touch experiences

[@msp5138]

@@innoiso why can't u share any actual numbers? and I love your channel, you are one of the few people who provide usable information...

[@vetti39]

Blurry screen and you say download this device on x64 mumble,... mumble mumble. What device can't see

[@user-lx6nl6so6s]

This is takin to lang

[@dingalingdingdong3546]

Way too hard

[@whatsbestnow]

What's the benefit of downloading android apps on the surface? Gmail app for example you can't create labels and the outlook app is limited . The idea of android apps seems cool but practicality wise seems useless

[@DojiKing]

The games, some messaging apps that don’t have a windows version, There a few good apps that you can’t get a windows version of that are great also. Really it depends on your needs. Also the android apps are more tuned to touchscreen then the windows apps are. So if your using it in tablet mode with no keyboard navigation will be easier.

[@vetti39]

Junk "the file you are trying to download is no longer available " this is trash!

[@vlkhvan]

Yeah. Unfortunately, typical windows. Something declared to work but in reality is so bad that no one would to use it again. Just like Windows on Arm, technically there but such a garbage that it is not even funny

[@DanielHarrisCodes]

I used windows on ARM considerably as a business user and it was a great experience. The Pro X battery was a disappointment compared to the older ARM devices but it is still WAY better than the Pro 8 that I have now. When a deal comes up I’ll almost definitely swap out my i5 Pro 8 for an SQ3 Pro 9

[@FernandoLopez-tx6lr]

so lame

[@ronhousenick6170]

The WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_x64_Release-Nightly.zip. link doesnt work anymore :( what should i do?

[@innoiso]

I just updated the description with a new link!