Can I use Android apps on Windows? Of course. We show the means available.
The ability to run applications from Android has appeared on systems the Windows some time ago as a built-in function. However, it was already possible to use Android applications thanks to different types of emulators. These two things are not mutually exclusive – they can be used without conflict. In this text, we collect all the known and proven ways to enjoy mobile applications on the desktop screen. If you want to access it on Windows, you will surely find something suitable for you.
The list includes both ways to use games and apps, as well as perfect solutions for developers. Most of the proposals presented here are completely free, but sometimes you will need to create an account. This is a low cost compared to the possibility of using the resources offered by Google Play StoreTRUE?
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Android to Windows
Link to phone
Link to phone
Link to phone – formerly known as your phone – is a system application that appeared with Windows 10. Although initially this did not allow much, today we have a completely different situation. But notice – Link to phone it only works fully on machines with Intel processors, with AMD processors the functionality is somewhat limited. If you have an Intel processor, you can use the app on your smartphone.
However, we warn you that depending on the application, there may be delays, as well as image problems. Don’t be surprised if the game suddenly goes gray for a while or behaves strangely. App support, especially for Google Play, is still under development.
Photo: Microsoft
BlueStacks
BlueStacks
BlueStacks is one of the oldest and most popular Android emulators for Windows. This popularity is not surprising – it is developed in parallel with the Google system, thanks to which it supports the latest applications and requirements. Currently the latest version is BlueStacks 5. Allows you to assign corresponding keys to screen buttons (we also have mouse support) Allows you to download and install applications directly from Google Play Storeand editing BlueStacksX are also options for streaming games to the cloud without having to download them. And since there’s no limit to the number of apps you download or stream, you can play with as many titles as you want!
BlueStacks is basically free, but something for something – it displays while the ad is running.
Photo: BlueStacks
Genymotion
Genymotion
If you are less interested in games and more in the system itself, Genymotion is a solution to pay attention to. It was created for developers who build apps and want a convenient place to test them. If you use it for private purposes, it is free, but if you use it to create commercial applications, you have to pay a fee. In both cases, you must create an account.
To emulate Android Genymotion to use VirtualBox, thus creating an environment independent of Windows. It offers templates for many devices with set parameters such as screen resolution, Android version or amount of available resources. You can prepare a few and then freely jump between them. Everyone gets a base system which you can then download from play store applications and use them in emulation. That’s why you won’t get manufacturer overlays initially, such as A user interface. On the positive side, it must be reckoned that all versions from Android 5 are supported.
Photo: Genymotion
Android-x86
Android-x86
Android-x86 is a project that provides a port from android to x86 platforms. Thanks to this, you can run it on a computer instead of a tablet or phone. There are several installation options. You can download android as .iso image and then use app Rufus to install from a flash drive. Another option is to mount it on a USB key, which will allow you to boot without any effect on Windows. You can also install it as the second system on the disk or set it as the first.
Android-x86 has a number of installation and usage tips on its official website. It must be admitted that the mode of use resembles VirtualBox and people familiar with this emulator will have the easiest time. However, that doesn’t mean others can’t.
Photo: Android-x86
Amazon app store
Amazon app store
Amazon app store appeared on the system Windows 11 and was meant to be an official “taken under the wing of Android” by Microsoft. And indeed – it works. You can download apps from Amazon website directly from “windows” and then use them on your desktop or laptop computer. One condition – it must be installed Amazon app store. From where? Of course, from the Microsoft store – here. However, note – although it has been 1.5 years since the start of Windows 11, Appstore support is still in development, which is why the number of apps available is limited compared to Android used on a phone or a tablet.
Amazon app store is a free solution that you can use at any time.
Photo: Amazon