Exciting Update Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 Now Supports File Sharing and More

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Thread Title: Windows Subsystem for Android™ Adds File Sharing and More in Latest Update



Hello Windows Insiders,



We are thrilled to announce that we've shipped an update for Windows Subsystem for Android™ on Windows 11 to all Windows Insider channels. This update (2305.40000.4.0) brings several much-requested features, settings updates, and essential graphics fixes.



### What's New:



- File Sharing Enabled: Seamlessly share your Windows user folders like Documents and Pictures with the Subsystem.

- File Transfer: Utilize drag and drop, as well as copy and paste for file transfers.

- Windows Subsystem for Android Settings Redesign: Newly renamed to "Windows Subsystem for Android" with a new UI displaying all installed Android apps.

- Raw Input Events: Enable apps that specify android.hardware.type.pc in their manifest to opt into receiving raw input events.

- Wi-Fi API Compatibility Improvements

- Camera Hardware Compatibility Improvements

- Linux Kernel Security Update

- Chromium WebView Updated to Version 113

- Android 13 Security Updates



### What is File Sharing?

Many of you have requested the ability to share files between Windows and the Subsystem, and we are excited to make this possible. You can now share Windows user folders like Documents and Pictures with the Subsystem, enabling seamless scenarios such as uploading photos to social media apps or editing videos in creative apps. Folder sharing is on by default for preview users and can be toggled on/off in the Windows Subsystem for Android™ Settings.



- How it Works: Your Windows user profile folder (e.g., “C:\Users\John Doe”) is shared as “/sdcard/Windows” within the Subsystem.



### Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are critical. Android™ apps can only view/edit your files with explicit permission. Apps show a system dialog to request permission, which can be revoked anytime from app settings. Additionally, the Subsystem scans all Android™ apps with your antivirus software during installation, blocking threats from both the Amazon Appstore and developer tools.



### Limitations

While many features are enabled, some restrictions apply:

- Access Limitations: Only files in your Windows user profile folder are accessible. System folders, Program Files, other users' folders, and external drives are not supported.

- File Accessibility: Only files the Subsystem saves to “/sdcard/Windows” are accessible to Windows. Other file access involves a copying option.

- Excluded Files: Hidden files/folders like AppData (Windows) and dot-prefixed names (Android) are excluded. Executable file types like “.exe” are also excluded for security.

- Cloud Storage Files: Must be downloaded to your device first. Online-only files must be opened in File Explorer to be accessible to the Subsystem.

- Indexing: The Subsystem indexes shared files before apps can access them. Indexing is usually quick, but large quantities may take longer. Opening files in File Explorer can expedite access.



You can share individual files directly with Android™ apps via drag-and-drop or copy-paste actions, even if folder sharing is disabled.



### Giving Feedback

If you encounter issues with Windows Subsystem for Android™, please file feedback via Feedback Hub under Apps > Windows Subsystem for Android™. For more information on troubleshooting and providing feedback, visit our Troubleshooting FAQ.



If you are a developer, kindly provide feedback on our Github site.



We hope you enjoy these new capabilities and look forward to your feedback!



Thanks,

Windows Subsystem for Android™ Team



Original URL: Update to Windows Subsystem for Android™ on Windows 11 (June 2023)