Windows 11’s first big update includes a preview of Android apps

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(Pocket-lint) – Microsoft is releasing its first major Windows 11 update – and it includes a public preview (US only) of Android apps on Windows 11.

This latest update actually includes a number of new additions, ranging from redesigned Notepad and Media Player apps to taskbar improvements. But the public preview of Android apps on Windows 11 is perhaps the most notable because it will let you install apps from Amazon’s Appstore. It’s a smaller number of Android apps compared to the Google Play Store, but it’s still cool.

In fact, this first release features over 1,000 apps, including Amazon’s own Audible and Kindle apps as well as third-party titles. To get started with the preview, open and update the Microsoft Store (click Get updates in the Microsoft Store > Library), then search for your favorite titles or explore Microsoft’s collection of Android apps and games, and download them via the Amazon Appstore.

Another major change concerns the taskbar: the time and date will finally be available on multiple monitors. The weather widget is also back, and there’s a new mute/unmute feature in the taskbar for Microsoft Teams calls. You can also quickly share a specific app or window directly from the taskbar during a Microsoft Teams call. As for those revamped Windows 11 apps, Notepad now includes multi-step undo, an updated search interface, and dark mode support, while the Media Player app replaces Groove Music with a new design.

Microsoft promises more features coming to Windows 11 in addition to the annual update. It’s even testing experimental features this year, such as wallpaper stickers and an updated tablet mode.

Written by Maggie Tillman.