Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 11, ships with Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). WSA is a first-party application that lets you install Android apps onto your PC as easily as if it were a new Chromebook. A clever way to install Android apps on any Windows 11 PC exists, and we show you how in the guide below.
*Microsoft announced that it will end support for WSA in March 2025, so be aware that this guide has a shelf life.
Installing Android apps on Windows 11
You can install the Windows Subsystem for Android Windows app using the program's installer package from Microsoft or by signing up for the Beta or Developer builds in the Windows Insider Program. This guide focuses on the first method.
Installing the Windows Subsystem for Android
To install WSA, use the Microsoft Store Generation Project website. It retrieves packages from the Microsoft server, the same server that Microsoft Store uses to install apps on your Windows PC. Hence, it's safe to use.
1. Go to store.rg-adguard.net.
2. Copy the following link and paste it into the URL box: www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windows-subsystem-for-android/9p3395vx91nr
3. Make sure you select the "slow" option before selecting the check mark (okay, search option).
4. Click the checkmark to search for files.
5. Scroll down and click the largest MSIX bundle to start the download. As of this writing, 2311.40000.5.0 is the latest version and is 1.37GB. If the download doesn't work, right-click the file and select the Save link as option.
6. When the download finishes, go to the file's location.
7. Double-click the file and click the Install button upon promt to install the Windows Subsystem for Android.
8. When the installation is finished, the Windows Subsystem for Android launches.
NOTE
If the Windows Subsystem for Android doesn't open and mentions something about a virtual machine, you must go into the BIOS or UEFI on your computer and turn on the virtual machine setting for the CPU if it's turned off. The instructions are slightly different for Intel or AMD-based systems. You might also need to install the Virtual Machine Platform feature in Windows 11, which involves downloading an update and restarting your computer.
How do I enable virtualization technology in Windows 11
Select Start menu on bottom left corner (windows logo), type "Windows features", and select Turn Windows features on or off from the list of results. In the Windows Features window that just opened, find Virtual Machine Platform and select it in the "on" (checkmark the box). Select OK. Restart your PC.
How To Install Android Apps
Go to the windows app store and download two apps
WSATools - APK installer and more
&
The two apps above will install the apps after you download the specific apk (android app) file.
Go to APKmirror for all your downloadable Android Apps. I personally only trust APKmirror for mY Android apps but technically any apk file will install.
PLEASE USE PERCAUTION - NOT ALL APK FILES ARE CLEAN AND COULD CONTAIN MALWARE.
*REMEMBER ALL APK FILE DOWNLOADS WILL NEED TO BE IN "X86" FORMAT AND MOST WILL NEED TO BE "X86 - 64" FOR 64 BIT PC MACHINE.
ADB (Android DeBugging) is needed for an APK file to be installed. Open up WSATools Windows app (from above). As soon as you open WSATools it will ask if you want ot automatically install ADB. Simply follow the on screen instructions to download and install ADB. It is the fastest and easist way to install ADB.
Download and apk from APKmirror and open one of the two APK installers from up above that you downloaded form the Windows app store. Once you open one of the installer apps it will ask you to locate the downloaded APK file you want to install. Simply locate the downloaded APK file and select it, then choose to install it. It is that simple. Enjoy!
