Finally, Microsoft has integrated a virtual machine platform — a Windows subsystem for Android and even Linux. You will need to update Windows 11 to the latest version. And before, you would install a third-party emulator, for example, BlueStacks X, which has its advantages…
This article will tell you how to install an APK file on Windows 11. Without using the command line & terminal, only using graphical interface tools. You will be able to not only launch an Android application, but also get full-fledged services and Google Play Market.
How to Enable Android Subsystem in Windows 11
First, find Other Windows components subsection Settings > Applications > Additional components. Turn on Virtual Machine Platformi Hyper-V Toolclick OKThen Restart now. Check if hardware virtualization is enabled.
Secondly, you will need Windows Subsystem for Android. You can get it directly from the Store or through the Microsoft Store Link Generator. Select ProductIdenter 9P3395VX91NRand press Generate. Or you can insert a direct link (URL instead of product ID).
Find the file WindowsSubsystemForAndroid with permission .msixbundlethe size of which is > 1 GB. For example, Chrome blocks the download. Let’s use Microsoft Edge, after clicking: cannot be downloaded safely. In the section Downloads click SaveThen Save anyway.
Run this file and click Installleft Start when ready. Allow this app to make changes to your device. After the Windows subsystem for Android starts, the Amazon Appstore app will be installed – for installing APKs on Windows 11.
Third, a package manager and installer with a graphical interface. For example, WSA PacMan (test it yourself), WSATools or others. In the subsection Releases download WSA-pacman v1.5.0 — current version. Run the program and follow the installation wizard, it is intuitive.
After installation Windows Subsystem for Android > Advanced Options > Developer Mode install Included. Click Manage Developer Options and make sure it is turned on USB debugging. In the appendix WSA Pacman click Launch this subsystem…
How to Install APK App on Windows 11
Of course, you can use the Amazon Appstore or download and then install the APK file yourself. For example, from the XDA forums, 4PDA or resources that allow you to download APKs from Google Play. It’s simple: Context menu > Open with > WSA Package Manager.
Install Google Play + Services on Windows 11
I’ve seen many instructions on how to integrate Google services. Install one, enable another, and do the third. Why do this if everything has already been done for you. Let’s use the ready-made WSABuilds assembly of the Windows subsystem for Android with Magisk and Google Play Store for Windows 11.
In the table Download Page select Windows 11 x64 (or OneDrive). We are interested in the assembly WSA_2307.40000.6.0_x64_Release-Nightly-MindTheGapps-13.0-RemovedAmazon.7z. They cut out Amazon, but added Gapps. Download and unpack, run Run.bat on behalf of the administrator.
Of course, you can’t do without a Google account. Google Services will appear in the list of applications. After that, you can install all applications and even log in. The build is updated periodically, it works well, but not perfectly. You can also install the APK file manually.
How to use BlueStacks X emulator
With the BlueStacks emulator, everything is simple. Enable virtualization, download and install, and you can start using it. Launch BlueStacks App Player > File Manager > Import from Windows. Select APK filewhich can be done after this installor via the Play Store.
In the settings, specify: GPU core — 4, Amount of RAM — 6144 MB, Screen resolution — 2560 x 1440, Frame rate — 60+ Density — 500+ i Rendering — OpenGL. The picture will become much more pleasant to your eyes. Built-in Window manager allows you to run several.
Conclusion
Windows subsystem for Android – allows you to use Android 13. Mobile applications are equal to universal ones… Installing APK files literally in a click. By default, without Google services; classic interface, and performance depends on game optimization.
BlueStacks X emulator was developed to comfortably play mobile applications. You can choose the Android version (at the time of writing – 11). Many optimizations, convenient control settings and macros. A large list of projects with a high refresh rate.
