How to Install Android Apps on Windows 11: Complete Guide

¿CHow to install Android apps on Windows 11? We'll explain. Thanks to advances in Microsoft's operating system, it's now possible to install and use many Android apps without having to have a phone nearby or relying exclusively on emulators.

In this article, we explain all the available methods (both official and alternative) so you can enjoy your favorite apps on your PC. Whether you want to access the Amazon Appstore, install apps from APK files, use the Google Play Store, or even emulate Android with Bluestacks, we've got you covered step by step.

Amazon Appstore: The official way to install Android apps on Windows 11

The easiest and most direct way Microsoft offers to run Android apps on Windows 11 is through the Amazon Appstore. It's an alternative app store to Google Play that has been integrated with the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), a technology that acts as a compatibility layer within the system.

In order to start using this option, you need to meet certain requirements. minimum hardware requirements on your computer, among them:

• RAM memory of 16 GB (although for basic use it can work with 8 GB).
• SSD storage unit (preferred over traditional hard drives).
• Processor with x64 or ARM64 architecture.
• Virtualization enabled in the computer's BIOS.

If your computer meets these requirements, you can follow these steps to install the Amazon Appstore:

1. Open the Microsoft Store and search Amazon Appstore.
2. Click the button installation.
3. During the process, the Windows Subsystem for Android.
4. Restart your computer when prompted.

After the reboot, you will be able to open the Appstore from the start menu, log in with your Amazon account and start downloading apps. It is worth noting that this store has a limited catalog Compared to the Play Store, its selection focuses mostly on games and basic apps without integration with Google services. We believe the Amazon App Store is one of the best ways to learn how to install Android apps on Windows 11.

Before continuing you may be interested in knowing what the best Android apps in 2024 And in this article we bring you a top 15 so you can download them.

Install APK files on Windows 11 using WSA

Once you have the Subsystem for Windows for Android (WSA) installed, you can expand your possibilities beyond the Amazon catalog by installing APK files directly, in other words, applications downloaded manually from the Internet.

To do this, you can use tools such as APK Installer on WSA, available for free on the Microsoft Store. This utility allows you to select any APK you've downloaded (from sites like APKMirror) and install it within the WSA environment.

There is, however, an important caveat: These APKs should not depend on Google services (Google Play Services), as WSA doesn't include them by default. If the APK requires Google authentication or access to Gmail accounts, it may not work properly. You already know that to know how to install Android apps on Windows 11, you need to be familiar with APKs.

Integrating Google Play on Windows 11: Advanced Solution

If you need full functionality without restrictions, you can install Google Play Store on Windows 11 Unofficially. This process is more technical and isn't supported by Microsoft, but it allows you to use apps like Gmail, Google Drive, or YouTube natively.

The general steps to achieve this are:

1. Uninstall the original WSA from the Windows settings menu (like any other application).
2. Install Ubuntu (or any WSL distribution, the Subsystem for Linux) from the Microsoft Store.
3. Clone the repository MagiskOnWSALocal from GitHub from the Ubuntu terminal:
4. Run the script run.sh to build a custom WSA image using Google Play and, if desired, root.
5. Copy the resulting files to a folder such as C:\WSA.
6. Use PowerShell with administrator permissions to run Install.ps1 and complete the installation.

This method provides an Android experience much closer to what you would have on a real mobile phone, with Syncing your Google account, access to all your apps and compatibility with most services.

Use emulators like Bluestacks

Another solid and even simpler alternative is to resort to classic Android emulators like Bluestacks, which have improved significantly in performance and compatibility in recent years.

Bluestacks 5 It is compatible with Windows 11, allows you to run the Google Play Store without requiring technical complications, and offers additional features such as key mapping, performance optimization, screen recording, and more.

To use it, simply:

1. Visit the official Bluestacks website and download version 5.
2. Install the program and open it.
3. Sign in with your Google account to access the Play Store.
4. Find and install the apps you want.

This emulator is specially polished for mobile gaming, so if your intention is Play popular Android titles on the big screen, is probably your best option. And now we're done with how to install Android apps on Windows 11, but first, we'll leave you with some Android apps that don't require installation.

Android Apps without Installation: Your Phone (Phone Link)

If you don't want to install parallel stores or systems, Microsoft has long offered the application Your Phone (Phone Link), which allows you to mirror the screen of your Android phone on your PC and use apps directly via streaming.

The steps to configure it are:

1. Install and pair the app Your Phone Companion on your Android mobile.
2. Have both devices (PC and mobile) connected to the same WiFi network.
3. Authorize mutual access via QR code or PIN.
4. From the PC, open the application Your telephone and access the apps available on your mobile.

This method does not directly install the apps on Windows but it does allows you to use them as if you were doing it from your PCIdeal for those who want to check WhatsApp, social media, or make video calls without picking up their phone.

There are multiple ways to integrate Android into Windows 11. From official solutions like the Amazon Appstore to advanced methods with Google Play or full-featured emulators, it all depends on your needs and the level of customization you want to achieve. For basic tasks, Microsoft's built-in system may be sufficient, but if you're an advanced user or need specific apps, more comprehensive options like Bluestacks or installing Google Play via a modified WSA offer a decent experience. We hope you've learned how to install Android apps on Windows 11.