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How to Install and Use Android Apps on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Ralph Adolphs
Ralph Adolphs

Updated:

In modern life, Android phones and Windows computers have become indispensable for work, study, and daily activities. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), which functions similarly to Android emulators we used previously.

How to install and use Android apps on Windows 11


However, WSA has several advantages compare with other Android emulators:

  • 1. Better Compatibility with Windows: Seamless system integration.
  • 2. Free and Safe: No additional costs or complex configurations.
  • 3. Excellent Performance: Faster startup and smoother operation compared to most emulators.

Here's a detailed guide on how to install and use WSA and Android apps on Windows 11. Let's take a look!

Step 1: Check for Windows 11 Updates

WSA requires Windows 11 Build 22000.526 or higher, so you need to ensure your system is up to date:

- Go to Settings > Windows Update and check your Windows 11 version.

Check for Windows 11 updates

Step 2: Verify System Requirements

Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements to run WSA:

  • Memory: At least 4GB (8GB recommended).
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 3000, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c, or better.
  • Storage: Solid-state drive (SSD).
  • Microsoft Store App: Version 22110.1402.6.0 or higher.
  • Windows 11: Build 22000.526 or higher.

Check for Windows 11 updates

Step 3: Enable Virtualization

Check Virtualization in Task Manager

- Open Task Manager, click on the Performance tab, and select CPU. Ensure that virtualization is enabled.

Ensure that virtualization is enabled

Enable Virtualization in Windows Features

- Search for "Turn Windows features on or off" in the Windows search box, open it, and check the "Virtual Machine Platform" and "Hyper-V" option. Then, restart your computer.

Search for Turn Windows features on or off in the Windows search box

check the Virtual Machine Platform or Hyper-V option

Enable Virtualization in BIOS

- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key (usually Delete or F2 during startup).

- Navigate to the Security or Advanced tab and enable the Virtualization option.

enable the Virtualization option from BIOS

- Save changes (usually by pressing F10) and restart your computer.

Step 4: Install WSA and WSA Tools

Search for and Download WSA Tools on Microsoft Store.

- Open Microsoft Store, in the search bar, type "WSA Tools"and install it.

Install WSA Tools

Open your browser and Download WSA

-You can click here to download WSA from your Microsoft store with AmazonAppStore.

Click the download button

Install WSA

Step 5: Configure ADB Debugging Environment

Download ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

- Open the WSA Tools and Download the ADB toolkit and extract it to a folder that does not require administrator permissions (e.g., `C:\adb`).

Install ADB debug tools

Choose an APK Installation Folder

- Create a folder to store APK files (e.g., `C:\APKInstallFolder`).

select a folder to save APK files

Step 6: Install Android Apps

Download APK Files

- Download the APK files of the Android apps you need from reliable sources.

Download the Android APK Files

Install APKs using WSA Tools

- Open WSA Tools, select the downloaded APK files, and install them.

Install saved APK files

Step 7: Run Android Apps

Launch WSA

- Find and launch the Windows Subsystem for Android from the Start menu.

Open WSA from start menu

Run the Installed Apps

- Open the WSA interface, find the apps you installed, and launch them.

Run apps

Summing-Up

Now you can open and use your Android apps on your Windows computer, bringing convenience and efficiency to your life, work, and study. I hope this guide helps you.