Windows Subsystem for Android Adds File Sharing Support for Insiders

Microsoft has just released an update for the Windows Subsystem for Android for all Windows Insiders today. The latest version adds support for file sharing between Windows and the WSA, which has been a top-requested feature.

“We are pleased to announce that Windows Subsystem for Android can now share your Windows user folders, like Documents and Pictures, with the Subsystem, so scenarios like uploading a photo to a social media app or editing a video in a creative app work seamlessly,” the Windows Insider team explained today.

File sharing between Windows and the Windows Subsystem for Android is enabled by default, but it can be turned off in settings. Android apps will ask the permission to view or edit files, and these permissions can be revoked at any time.

After granting these permissions to Android apps that support file sharing, Windows Insiders can drag and drop files from File Explorer to these apps. “Some Android apps also support pasting files copied to the Windows clipboard. In these cases, apps only receive read access to the shared file,” the Windows Insider team explained.

There are also a couple of limitations to be aware of: Windows system folders, Program Files, folders from other users, and external drives don’t support file sharing. Hidden files and online-only files from OneDrive are also not supported (OneDrive files must be downloaded first), and executable files also can’t be shared with Android apps for security reasons.

Today’s update for the Windows Subsystem for Android also introduces Android 13 security updates as well as camera hardware compatibility improvements. The update is rolling out to all Insider channels via the Microsoft Store.