Install Android Apps on Windows 11 – APK file
You can install APK files on Windows 11 devices (desktop or notebook) using Windows Subsystem.
Windows Subsystem for Android™️ enables your Windows 11 device to run Android applications that are available in the Amazon Appstore.
Install the Amazon Appstore
The Microsoft Store will automatically install Windows Subsystem for Android (running Android 11) silently in the background when either of the two following user actions are taken:
- Install the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store
- Install an Android or Amazon app from the Microsoft Store for the first time, which will also install the Amazon Appstore
The Amazon Appstore will then appear in the Windows 11 Start menu and be available on search, offering a curated catalogue of Android apps.
Selecting Get will begin the installation of the app. The app will also appear in Windows Start, Search and in the Windows Programs list.
Settings app
To access the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app, go to: Start > All Apps > Windows Subsystem for Android™️. The Settings app can be used to adjust the following settings:
- Subsystem Screen ReaderIf touch input isn’t working, make sure the Subsystem Screen Reader is turned off.
- Subsystem resources
- As needed: When this is selected, the subsystem will open when a mobile app is opened. Since the subsystem needs to open first, the mobile app might take a little longer to open. Mobile apps opened after the first one might not be affected.
- Continuous: The subsystem is always ready to open apps. Since it’s always open in the background, it will use more of your PC’s memory and processing power.
- Enable developer mode to test and debug your app on a Windows 11 device, you will need set Developer Mode to On.
Window management and resizing
Unlike traditional mobile form factors, Android apps running on Windows 11 can be freely resized, should be responsive in their resizing, and can be snapped using Windows actions/gestures.
Minimum screen requirement
Windows 11 enforces a minimum screen requirement of 720p resolution (1280×720) with a >9” screen.
Test and debug
To test and debug your app on a Windows 11 device using the Windows Subsystem for Android the following set up steps are required.
Enable developer mode in Windows Settings
You must first enable developer mode in Windows Settings. There are three ways to enable developer mode:
- Open the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app. Once open, select Enable Developer Settings.
- Search for “Developer Settings” in Windows search.
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > For developers > Developer mode.
Connect to the Windows Subsystem or Android for debugging
To connect to the Windows Subsystem for Android VM for debugging, you have two options:
- Recommended Method:
- Use localhost for connecting to debugging. The IP address of the localhost is:
127.0.0.1:58526. Windows Subsystem for Android must be running in order to connect, the best way to launch Windows Subsystem for Android is by launching an Android app that was installed with the Amazon Appstore. - To connect to the localhost address of Windows Subsystem for Android, enter:
adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526
- Use localhost for connecting to debugging. The IP address of the localhost is:
- Alternative Method: Use the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app to get the IP address.
- Launch the Settings app. (Use Windows Search to select and launch.)
- The IP address will be displayed under the IP address section. If there is no IP address being displayed, launch an Android app that was installed using the Amazon Appstore, then select Refresh on the IP address button in the Settings app.
Now that you have the IP address to connect to the Windows Subsystem for Android VM, connect using adb connect:
adb connect 172.22.137.166
PowerShell
Connect to a test device
To connect to a test device (with Windows Subsystem for Android installed) on the same network from Windows/Mac:
- On the test device (where Windows Subsystem for Android is installed) open a PowerShell window and identify the IP address of the test device by running the command:
ipconfig
PowerShell
- Using the debugging device terminal where Android Studio and the Android SDK is installed (Mac/Windows), enter the command:
adb connect <TEST DEVICE IP ADDRESS>
Console
The <TEST DEVICE IP ADDRESS> can be found in the output of “ipconfig” from the test device. You can also deploy and debug apps from Android Studio.
To use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to connect your development workstation directly to your Android device so you can install packages and evaluate changes, see Android Debug Bridge in the Android Open Source Project docs.
Debug your app
While apps should be installed using the Amazon Appstore, debugging an Android app on a Windows device is possible using an APK (Android application package) and adb (Android Debug Bridge).
To debug an APK using adb:
- Follow the steps to connect to the Windows Subsystem for Android VM above.
- Install the APK using the adb install command:
adb install app-debug .apk
Expected output:
Performing Streamed Install Success
PowerShell
- A successful “app installed” notification will appear in the Windows notification menu and the app will launch once selected.
Guide
This guide can answer the following questions:
•How to install APK file on PC / Notebook
•Can I open an APK on Windows?
•Can You install APK file on Windows 11?
•Can you slideload Android Apps on Windows 11?
•How to run an APK file on Windows 11?
•Can you install APK on PC?
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