On Windows 11, the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) includes an option to share files from your computer with Android apps, and in this guide, you will learn the steps to enable the feature.
Starting with version 2305.40000.2.0, Microsoft introduced various improvements to its Windows Subsystem for Android, including the ability to share files with Android apps. When you enable the feature from the file manager or other apps, you will be able to access your profile folders, including Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
Microsoft is making the option enabled by default, but if it’s not, you can turn it on from the System settings page.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to allow Android apps access to your file locally stored on your computer.
Enable file sharing on WSA for Windows 11
To enable file share on WSA to access user folders from Android apps, use these steps:
-
Open Start on Windows 11.
-
Search for Windows Subsystem for Android and click the top result to open the app.
-
Click on System.
-
Click the Experimental features setting.
-
Turn on the “Share user folders” toggle switch.
-
Click the Turn off button for the “Turn off Windows Subsystem for Android” setting.
Enable file sharing WSA / Image: GitHub -
Click the Files option to restart WSA. Alternatively, you can simply restart the computer to apply the changes.
Once you complete the steps, you will be able to browse and open files from your computer on an Android app. The files will be located inside the “Windows” folder from the “sdcard” location.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].