Note: Windows Subsystem for Android™ and the Amazon Appstore will no longer be available in the Microsoft Store after March 5, 2025. Learn more.
The Windows Subsystem for Android is a required software component that lets you install apps from the Amazon Appstore.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
Data that Microsoft collects
Microsoft can collect application crashes, performance data about the Subsystem, and your apps usage as you use mobile apps installed in the Subsystem. This data is used to improve the Subsystem’s reliability and performance as well as the performance of applications running in the Subsystem. You can choose whether to allow Microsoft to collect this data, either when you first install the Windows Subsystem for Android, or at any time in the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app.
Data sharing with app developers
Microsoft does not share any data it collects directly with app developers.
Data sharing with Amazon
If you choose to allow Microsoft to collect data, Microsoft can share aggregated and anonymized app usage data, and application crash data with Amazon.
Change how your data is shared
If you want to change how your data is shared, here's how:
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Select Start and enter Windows Subsystem for Android, then open the app from the results.
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In the Windows Subsystem for Android settings app, go to System > Optional diagnostic data. Turn on Send data if you want to send optional diagnostic data to Microsoft. To stop sending this data, set it to Off.
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If you want to be able to view the optional diagnostic data that is sent, set Enable view option to On.
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When Enable viewing option is turned On, you will get access to the Diagnostic data viewer option. This provides a link to the folder where you can view all diagnostic data files saved on your device.
Permissions for mobile apps
You can set specific permissions for each mobile app from the Amazon Appstore. You need to give apps these permissions in two places:
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In the Windows Settings app, you must give permission to the Windows Subsystem for Android. This gives permission to the entire Subsystem and allows you to give permissions to individual apps that run in the Subsystem.
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You must also give permission to the individual app in the Android settings page for that app.
Adjust the permissions for the Windows Subsystem for Android
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Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the Windows Subsystem for Android, then select Advanced options.
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In App permissions, turn the settings On or Off for the permissions you want to adjust.
Adjust an individual app's permissions and settings
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Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the mobile app you want to adjust, then select Modify.
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The settings for that app will open in the Windows Subsystem for Android and allow you to adjust privacy settings for features like your camera, location, and notifications.
If a mobile app requests permissions
If a mobile app requests a permission that you’ve already granted to the Windows Subsystem for Android, then you only need to give permission for the individual app. If a mobile app requests a permission that you haven’t already given to the Subsystem, this will display a prompt asking for permission.
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If you give the requested permission, this is recorded in the Subsystem. This also prompts a Windows notification indicating that the Windows Subsystem for Android also needs permission.
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Select the notification to go to the privacy page in Windows settings, where you can turn on this permission for the Windows Subsystem for Android. You only need to give permission to the Windows Subsystem for Android once. After this, you’ll be able to give permission to individual mobile apps as soon as they request it.
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If you remove permissions for a privacy setting to the Windows Subsystem for Android, this also removes permissions for all mobile apps that request that permission.
Privacy dashboard
In the Windows Subsystem for Android settings app System section, the Privacy dashboard setting provides a link to the privacy dashboard within Android, where you can see which apps have accessed which privacy features.
