File Sharing: Microsoft has enabled Android users to share files in the Windows subsystem. This New Feature Is Available To Insider Users And Will Be Available Publicly Shortly.

According to The Verge, the latest update of Windows Subsystem for Android, in addition to sharing, includes drag-and-drop functionality and improves camera performance while fixing some bugs.

Microsoft said in a statement that many users have been asking for file sharing to be added to the Windows Subsystem for Android.

From now on, users can share folders such as Documents and Pictures with this subsystem so that things like uploading photos to social networks or editing videos through professional applications can be done more efficiently.

Folder sharing is enabled by default for Insider users, and Android apps can only view or edit Windows folders with the user’s direct permission. These permissions can be revoked in the settings menu.

Microsoft says it scans all Android apps during installation to prevent malicious apps from being loaded.

Windows 11 Hosted File Sharing

The scanning process will be done by Microsoft Defender or antivirus on the system.

Microsoft has limited sharing to Windows user account folders and currently does not support system folders, external drives, or folders such as Program Files. This statement is for some formats such as exe. also applies.

Microsoft has begun rolling out file-sharing capabilities for its Android integration on Windows 11. A new update to the Windows Subsystem for Android is now up for grabs for all Windows Insiders, bringing features like file sharing, drag-and-drop functionality, camera enhancements, and the usual round of bug fixes.

The Windows Subsystem for Android team shared in a blog post, “We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear—many of you have been eager for file-sharing between Windows and the Subsystem. We’re excited to inform you that the Windows Subsystem for Android can now access your Windows user folders, such as Documents and Pictures, making tasks like posting a photo to a social app or tweaking a video in a creative tool smooth and effortless.”

File sharing is turned on by default for preview users, but Android apps can only access or modify your Windows files with your explicit consent. Apps will prompt you with a permission dialog, and you can revoke access anytime through settings. Microsoft also keeps security tight by scanning all Android apps with Microsoft Defender—or your preferred antivirus software—during installation to block any shady apps.
For now, file-sharing support is restricted to Windows user profile folders like documents, photos, and videos. System folders, external drives, and locations like Program Files won’t be accessible, and specific file types, such as .exe files, are off-limits for sharing.

Since this update has already hit all Windows Insider channels, it’s a safe bet that file-sharing support will roll out to all Windows 11 users in the next few weeks. Microsoft typically holds off on pushing updates to the Release Preview channel until they’re polished and ready for the masses.

On Windows 11, the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) offers a feature that lets you share files from your PC with Android apps. This guide will walk you through the steps to turn it on.

With the release of version 2305.40000.2.0, Microsoft upgraded the Windows Subsystem for Android, adding goodies like file sharing with Android apps. Once activated, this feature lets you tap into your profile folders—think Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos—right from the file manager or other apps.

Microsoft sets this option to “on” by default, but you can flip the switch manually in the System settings if it’s not enabled.

In this tutorial, you’ll get the rundown on how to give Android apps access to files stored locally on your computer.

How to Activate File Sharing on WSA in Windows 11

To enable file sharing on WSA and allow Android apps to access your user folders, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu on Windows 11.
2. Type “Windows Subsystem for Android” in the search bar and click the top result to launch the app.
3. Select the “System” option.
4. Click on “Experimental features.”
5. Switch on the “Share user folders” toggle.
6. Hit the “Turn off” button under the “Turn off Windows Subsystem for Android” setting.

7. Click “Files” to restart WSA or reboot your PC to save the changes.

After you’ve gone through these steps, you can browse and open files from your PC using Android apps. Look for them in the “Windows” folder under the “sdcard” directory.