This post guides you on how to run Android apps on Windows. If you are a person who regularly uses their PC most of the time alongside your Android smartphone, then you know the feeling of longing for the ability to use Android apps on your PC. Running Android apps on Windows can be a great way for you to enjoy your favorite mobile applications on a larger screen with better performance. With the advancement of technology, it is now possible for you to run Android apps on your Windows computer without the need for an Android device. In this guide, we will discuss what you can use to run Android apps on Windows. Whether you want to play games or use productivity apps, you can easily install and use Android apps on your Windows computer. Let’s dive in and explore how to run Android apps on Windows.
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Using the Microsoft Store
Microsoft store is an online marketplace where you can buy and download various types of software, applications, games, movies, TV shows, music, and more, directly onto your PC.
To open the Microsoft store, you can search for it in your app list using or tap the icon on the taskbar that looks like a shopping bag with 4 colored squares on it.
After launching it, search for any app you want using the search bar at the top and then install it. Beware that the Microsoft store might not have all the Android apps you might be looking for. Also, this method works perfectly for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Use Bluestacks to run Android apps on Windows
Use BlueStacks if you merely want to run a few apps and don’t require the emulator to appear like Android (Opens in a new window). It has improved over time to become the best Android app emulator available, which makes it a fantastic alternative for games and apps without a corresponding desktop version.
Your PC needs 5GB of space to store BlueStacks 5 (plus any apps you download). When you launch the app, you are presented with a home screen that is personalized and a link to the Play Store. Any apps you download will have their own shortcuts on both your Windows desktop and the BlueStacks home screen. To open an application, double-click or double-tap on its icon.
Consider installing BlueStacks X, a cloud-based program that enables you to stream games without first downloading them, if you want to play Android games specifically on your computer. BlueStacks X does not require any storage because of its cloud capabilities.
To get started, click on the link to download Bluestacks.
Look for the downloaded BlueStacks setup and install it on your PC by double-clicking or double tapping on it and following the prompts.
After successful installation, search for Bluestacks in your installed apps using the search bar on the right of the Windows Start icon and select open to launch the app.
Upon launching it, you will be requested to sign into your Google account, such that it is used to access apps in Google Play Store. Follow the prompts to get signed into that account. After, search for any Android app you want to use on your PC by clicking in the search bar at the top left corner of the screen and typing the name of the app and searching for it.
After installing your app, you will find it in the my games section on the menu at the left of the of the screen. The installed app will also be added as a shortcut to your desktop such that you can easily access it.
To use the app, double-click to launch it. You can repeat this process for any app you want to use on your PC.
Using the phone link app
In this second method, you can use the phone link app to link your Android apps on your phone to your Windows PC. First, you download the phone link app on your Android phone from Google Play Store. Tap or left-click on the button below to install it on your Android device.
After installing it on your phone, you then have to install the same app on your PC. But this time, instead of using Google Play Store, you will have to use the Microsoft Store. Tap or left-click on the button below to install it on your Windows PC.
Given the apps already installed on your phone, you don’t need anything fancy. The Phone Link app allows you to connect your Android mobile device to Windows in order to access apps, view photos, check notifications, send messages, change device settings, and more.
After installing the Phone Link app on your Windows PC, and the Link to Windows app on your Android phone, you can connect the two by scanning a QR code. While most features work with any Android device, the feature works best with Samsung phones.