Microsoft has released an update for Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 to all Windows Insider Channels. This update will be available on Canary, Dev, and Beta Release Channels. With version number 2305.40000.4.0, the update adds long-requested file sharing, settings updates, and graphics fixes.
The Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 has enabled file sharing and file transfer using drop and drop/copy and paste. The Windows Subsystem for Android Settings has been renamed to Windows Subsystem for Android in addition to display of all installed Android apps. The update enables apps that specify android.hardware.type.pc in their manifest to opt into receiving raw input events. The update also adds Wi-Fi API compatibility enhancements, camera hardware compatibility improvements, and Linux kernel security update. Moreover, the flight updated latest Chromium Webview to version 113 including Android 13 security updates.
Microsoft has announces that Windows Subsystem for Android can share your Windows user folders such as Documents and Pictures with the Subsystem. You will be able to upload a photo to the relevant social media pp or video editing seamlessly. The folder sharing option is enabled by default for preview users and can be tolled on and off in Windows Subsystem for Android Settings. Your Windows user profile folder C:\Users\John Doe is shared as “/sdcard/Windows” in the Subsystem when folder sharing is enabled.
After the installation of this update, Android apps will be able to view or edit your files only with your permission. Apps must display a system dialog to request your permission. Moreover, permission can be revoked at any time from app settings. The Subsystem also provides adequate protection against malicious apps that would abuse your permission by scanning all Android apps. This process will be done with your antivirus software during installation and blocking threats. This will be applicable for the installation of the app from the Amazon Appstore or via developer tools.
You should note that only files in your Windows user profile folder are available to the Subsystem. The system will not support Windows system folders, Profram Files, other users folders, external drives, and much more. The files saved to /sdcard/Windows are only available to Windows. The Subsystem provides the option of copying the file to Windows and opening it from there when opening files in other folders from an Android app.
The Windows hidden files/folders like AppData and Android hidden files/folders are excluded from sharing. The executable file types such as .exe are excluded from sharing to protect the security. The save fails if the Subsystem attempts to save a file with a blocked extension to /sdcard/Windows.
The online-only files of your cloud storage provider will not be available to the Subsystem until you download them. You simply open an online-only File Explorer to download it and make it available to the Subsystem. You can also modify your cloud storage settings to either make some or all of your filers always available offline.
The Subsystem needs to index shared files before apps can access them. You can also share individual files with specific Android apps even if folder sharing is disabled. You simply need to drag and drop files from File Explorer to open Android app that supports file sharing capabilities.
