Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) allows users to run Android apps on Windows 11 seamlessly. By default, WSA only includes the Amazon Appstore, but many users prefer accessing the vast library of apps available on the Google Play Store. Additionally, integrating Magisk into WSA enables advanced customization, root access, and module installations. This guide will walk you through installing WSA with both Google Play Store and Magisk on your Windows 11 device.
What You Need Before Starting
Ensure you have the following prerequisites before proceeding:
Windows 11 Installed: WSA only works on Windows 11, so make sure you’re running this version.
Virtualization Enabled: Check if virtualization is enabled in your BIOS. This is essential for running WSA.
Developer Mode Enabled:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > For Developers and enable Developer Mode.
WSA Installation Package: Download a custom WSA package that includes Google Play Store and Magisk. Several trusted sources offer pre-built packages, but ensure you download from a reputable site.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Uninstall Any Existing WSA
If you have previously installed WSA, uninstall it to avoid conflicts:
Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and find Windows Subsystem for Android. Click Uninstall.
Step 2: Download and Extract the Custom WSA Package
Download the custom WSA package from a trusted source. Ensure it includes both Google Play Store and Magisk.
Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a convenient location on your computer (e.g., Desktop or Downloads folder).
Step 3: Install the Custom WSA
Open PowerShell as Administrator:
Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Navigate to the extracted WSA folder: cd C:\Path\To\Your\WSA-Folder
Run the installation script: Add-AppxPackage -Register .\AppxManifest.xml
This command registers the WSA package with Windows. Wait for the process to complete.
Step 4: Configure WSA Settings
Open Windows Subsystem for Android from the Start Menu.
Go to Developer Settings and enable Developer Mode if it isn’t already active.
Restart WSA to ensure all settings apply correctly.
Step 5: Set Up Google Play Store
Launch WSA, then open Google Play Store from the Apps section.
Sign in with your Google account. If you encounter errors, follow these steps:
Restart WSA and clear the app data for Google Play Store in Settings > Apps.
Ensure your internet connection is stable.
Once logged in, you can now install apps directly from the Play Store, just like on any Android device.
Step 6: Integrate Magisk for Root Access
Magisk allows you to root your WSA environment, granting access to advanced features and customization:
Open Magisk Manager: You should find Magisk already installed in the Apps section. Launch it.
Grant Permissions: If prompted, allow all necessary permissions.
Install Root Modules:
In the Magisk Manager, go to Modules and browse available modules.
Download and install modules to enhance your Android experience. Some popular options include SafetyNet Fix and BusyBox.
Reboot WSA: After installing modules, restart WSA to apply changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
WSA Won’t Start:
Ensure Virtualization is enabled in your system BIOS.
Check if Windows Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Platform are enabled in Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
Google Play Store Authentication Error:
Clear the Google Play Store app data in the Android settings.
Ensure you’ve signed in with a valid Google account.
Magisk Modules Not Applying:
Restart WSA after installing any new module.
Ensure the module is compatible with your WSA version.
App Installation Failure:
Verify the APK’s compatibility with your WSA build.
Check for sufficient virtual storage space in the WSA settings.
Benefits of This Setup
Access to Google Services: Install apps requiring Google Play Services, expanding your app library beyond the Amazon Appstore.
Advanced Customization: Magisk modules offer powerful tools for tweaking system behavior and adding new functionalities.
Root Access: Perform tasks that require root permissions, such as advanced file management or system app modification.
Installing WSA with Google Play Store and Magisk transforms your Windows 11 device into a powerful platform for running Android apps. By following this guide, you’ll not only unlock a wider range of apps but also gain advanced customization capabilities through Magisk. This setup enhances productivity and offers a more versatile experience, bridging the gap between Windows and Android functionalities seamlessly.