When running Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on your Windows 11 PC, you might not like how the virtual machine for Android apps uses resources. These resources include memory, CPU, and GPU. Luckily, you can manage this very easily, and we’re going to show you how.
“As needed” or “continuously?” which one to choose
You have two choices when WSA uses your computer’s resources: as needed or continuously.
When you choose Essentials, it means that the subsystem will boot from scratch, which may cause the Android apps you side-loaded on Windows 11 to take longer to start. This is the best option if your Windows 11 computer doesn’t have the resources to spare. This is also the default option.
Persistent, on the other hand, keeps WSA running in the background. The advantage is that Android apps will launch much faster, at the cost of using more of your computer’s resources. You can choose this option if your Windows 11 PC has extra resources.
How do I manage the way Windows Subsystem for Android uses its resources?
To change how the Windows Subsystem for Android uses resources on Windows 11, start by pressing Win+S to bring up Windows Search. Type windows subsystem for android in the search box. In the results, click Windows Subsystem for Android Settings to launch the program.
On the left-side menu under Windows Subsystem for Android, make sure you have System selected. On the right, click Subsystem Resources to expand the section. Then, select either As Required or Continuous by clicking the appropriate radio button.
Now the Windows Subsystem for Android will use resources based on the option you select.
Best way for Windows Subsystem for Android to use resources
Whether you choose As needed or Continuous depends on how many resources your Windows 11 computer has. To recap, choose As Required if you have few resources and Continuous if you have enough so that WSA doesn’t negatively affect performance.
Also, if you are looking for where to run Android apps, you can install Google Play on Windows 11.
You can run Android apps natively on Windows 11 via the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA); However, it has its limits. The new OS only natively supports Amazon’s Appstore and not the Google Play Store. And while sideloading Android apps is an option, anything that requires Google Play Services won’t work.
However, you can install Google Play Store on Windows 11 to overcome this limitation. Here we show you how.
How to install Google Play Store in Windows 11
As discussed earlier, you can sideload and run Android apps on Windows 11. However, finding APKs and installing them via command prompt is cumbersome. You also need to configure the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to install Android apps.
To remedy this problem, you can install a fully functional Google Play Store. Also, it allows you to run apps that rely on Google Play Services.
However, this is a complex process and involves downloading many small packages and then moving them around. Luckily, a developer (Yujinchang08) on GitHub has simplified this process with a custom WSA installer.
The WSA installer consists of a modified WSA package with Magisk and Open GApps integration. Magisk is a root access utility with Open GApps providing up-to-date Google Apps packages.
For this guide, we will focus on the second method to install Google Play Store on Windows 11. So let’s get started.
Note that this process requires installing third-party modified files and packages and involves potential risks. Before proceeding, create a restore point in Windows 11 or recovery drive. These recovery options can help you undo changes or repair the system if something goes wrong.