Since Windows 11 first hit the scene, we’ve seen a lot of effort put into bridging the gap between Android and Windows. For example, Microsoft allowed Windows 11 users to download and install apps from the Amazon App Store. Being able to access the apps you love on your PC can have several benefits, so here’s how to install Android apps on your Windows PC.
At the time of writing, at least one of the methods is in beta testing, so availability will vary. If you don’t have access to all the methods, you’ll either want to access the beta or wait for the public release. We will update the article when these methods become public. We will also update the article if the company discontinues the method, as is the case with one.
How to install Android apps on your Windows PC
The first method is a bit strange at the time of writing this as it is in the process of being deprecated. However, you can still use it in a limited capacity, so we’re including it.
Via the Amazon App Store
If you were around for the announcement of Windows 11 in 2021, then you’ll know that Microsoft has partnered with Amazon to bring its app store to the Windows operating system. This was a bit clunky when it started, as it went through a lengthy beta testing process. Initially, you had to be a member of the Windows Insider program.
Now, this feature is available to all Windows 11 users. However, it’s a bit difficult because at the time of writing, Amazon is in the process of phasing it out. Can you still access and install Amazon apps on your Windows 11 PC? That. However, there are a few caveats.
How to install Amazon apps on Windows 11
The first major caveat is that you must have installed the Windows Subsystem for Android from the Microsoft Store before March 6, 2024. If you haven’t, you won’t be able to use this method. However, if you accidentally downloaded it, you will be able to access the apps.
As it stands, you’ll still be able to download apps to your PC until March 5, 2025. You’ll have access to your entire library of games and other apps. Go to the Windows taskbar search bar and type “subsystem” and one of the results that will show up will be Android Subsystem. When you open it, you will see the Amazon App Store appear.
Click on Get below the app you want to use and click on download files button in the pop-up window that appears. After that, you will see the application start to download and install. After that process, you can open the application by clicking on Open button under the app in the App Store or by finding it in your apps.
One thing to note is that you can no longer download the subsystem from the Windows Store, so if you already have it on your computer, don’t uninstall it if you want to continue using Amazon’s apps.
Via Google Play Games
Although using the Amazon app store gives you access to a wide range of apps, it’s nothing compared to the Google Play store. This also applies when it comes to the number of games. This is why some people were excited when they heard that Google was bringing Google Play to Windows.
Basically, you will download the Google Play launcher to your computer and the launcher will download, manage and run your games. This is very similar to Steam.
This method is actually more robust than what you had with Amazon apps. You get access to a wide range of games including Genshin Impact, Fruit Ninja 2, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, etc. Also, since this goes through the Google Play Store, any apps you’ve previously purchased will be available for free download on your computer.
How to use Google Play for Windows
It is important to note that this is also available for Windows 10 PCs. This is currently in beta testing, but is available in over 100 regions. You can check if your region is eligible for Google Play games on your PC. If you are eligible, go to the official download page. From there you will download the .exe file and install the launcher.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll sign in to your Google account in the launcher. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to browse your game library and start playing.
The home tab on the left side of the screen will provide you with a feed of recommended and featured games. This will be just like the Google Play Store on your phone. So you will see different types of games that correspond to different categories.
Under the Home tab, you will see the Library tab. Here you will see all the games you have downloaded to your computer. You’ll also see a summary of the games you’ve downloaded to your mobile device in the past. So this will be a way to let you know that some of your favorite classics on your phone may be available on your computer.
Under the library tab you have the Research tab. This tab will show you a grid of all the games you can download. At the top you will see a search bar to type the title of the game you want to play. Below the search bar you will see different categories all arranged in a row of tokens. So, you will be able to search all the games that are available to download and play.
Playing games
Don’t worry about playing mobile games on PC. Developers have formatted these games for use with a mouse, keyboard and controller. So you will have the experience of playing on the computer.
To uninstall a game, go to your library. When you find the game you want to uninstall, click on the three-dot button to the right of the game and click on Uninstall button.
Via BlueStacks
For over a decade, BlueStacks has been one of the primary ways to play Android games on PCs. It’s been around since 2011 and has only gotten better as time goes on. BlueStacks is still a viable option with the latest version of BlueStacks 10.
It is similar to the Google Play launcher in that you will open the interface and download apps. However, BlueStacks is a little different because it will run an Android virtual machine and play apps through it.
This option may have the most game choices, since you are not playing from a select list of Selected Games. You have access to the full library of Google Play Store games using BlueStacks.
Installing BlueStacks
To install BlueStacks, go to BlueStacks official site. On the home page you will see a link to download the latest version of BlueStacks. On that page you will see that BlueStacks 10 is advertised. Click on that button and download the installer. One thing about BlueStacks is the fact that it can trigger your system’s anti-virus and flag it as a threat. However, BlueStacks is completely safe to use. The reason it raises red flags is because it uses a virtual machine. Anyway, if you don’t trust her, feel free to ignore this method.
One thing to know is that there are different versions of BlueStacks available. So, if version 10 is not working with you, you can check different versions of BlueStacks. Since you’re using a virtual PC, you’ll be able to download different PCs that target different versions of Android. So, if the latest version of BlueStacks 10 is not compatible with your system, you can try one of the others.
There are currently four versions of BlueStacks 5, namely the 32-bit version for Android 7 (Nougat) and the 64-bit version. There is a 64-bit version targeting Android 9 (Pie) and a 64-bit version targeting Android 11 (R).
Additionally, there are three versions of BlueStacks 4 which are 32-bit and 64-bit version for Android 7. Also, there is a 64-bit version for Android 7 with Hyper-v.
Using BlueStacks
When you have BlueStacks installed, you’ll see a basic interface with an app folder, an app called App Center, and a series of suggested apps to download. At the top you will see a search bar. Click App Center to start exploring apps to download.
When you click on the app to download, you will be redirected to the Google Play Store. Submitting to the Google Play Store is inevitable, because when you click on an app in the App Center, you’ll be redirected to that app’s Google Play Store page. Just click Install Press the button as usual and the app will be installed in the Android virtual machine. From that moment, you will be able to return to the home screen and launch the application.
Installing Android apps directly on your system [currently unreleased]
At the time of writing, Google is currently working on a way to allow users to install apps directly onto their systems rather than through a launcher. At this point, details on this are still scarce, so we’ll have to wait for more information to come out. The company is currently testing this method with several titles.
This article will be updated with more details as they become available.