Google, Linux Communities Fill Void Left by Dead Windows Subsystem for Android

Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in March 2025 left users searching for alternatives. Three options have emerged: Google Play Games for PC, Waydroid, and WSABuilds.

Google Play Games for PC is a curated storefront for mobile games that runs on Windows. It launched in open beta and is available in over 130 regions, including Canada. The client requires a minimum of four physical CPU cores, 8GB of RAM, and an Intel UHD Graphics 630-class GPU or better.

Waydroid takes a different approach by running as a full Android container on top of a Linux kernel. This architecture provides native speed but limits the incompatibility with certain applications. Waydroid requires a host kernel that supports binder and ashmem.

WSABuilds is a community fork that keeps the Play Store integration alive on top of abandoned Microsoft code. It's a continuation of WSA, which was cancelled by Microsoft due to low adoption numbers.