Steps to directly install Android apps from APK files on Windows 11

Although it is only a Preview version, it also brings a great deal of excitement to loyal fans of the Windows operating system.

However, the fact that there are currently only more than 50 applications available in the Amazon Appstore does not seem to be able to meet the needs of all users. However, the fact that Windows 11 provides Windows Subsystem for Android is considered as a "way" for users to install (or understand as Sideload) the Android applications they need from the original APK file without having to use the original APK file. through the Amazon Appstore. So exactly how to exploit this path? Please refer to the following instructions.

Note: Currently only a Preview version, so Android applications Sideloaded from the original APK file will work unstable, readers need to consider before trying. This article will not reiterate the conditions for being able to install the Amazon Appstore.

How to directly install Android apps from APK files on Windows 11

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Step 1: Visit this address to install Windows Subsystem for Android or Amazon Appstore if you haven't installed it yet.

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Step 2: Start Windows Subsystem for Android from the Start Menu, then switch to ON in the Developer mode option.

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Step 3: Visit this address and download the latest version of SDK Platform Tools from Google.

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Proceed to decompress the packet after downloading

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Step 4: After decompressing the package, open the folder, type "cmd" in the address bar and press the ENTER key.

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The Command Prompt dialog box will appear, please keep it and go to the next step.

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Step 5: Open a web browser and visit APKMirror page, find the application you need and download its APK file.

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Move the APK file to the same folder as the SDK Platform Tools that you downloaded and uncompressed above.

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Step 6: Back to the Windows Subsystem for Android screen, note down the address that Developer mode provides. As shown, it has the form "127.0.0.1:58526".

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Switch to the Command Prompt window, enter the syntax "adb.exe connect_IP_address", with "IP_address" will be "127.0.0.1:58526". So we will have the complete command as shown, then press the ENTER key to execute.

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Step 7: Now to start Sideloading the APK file of the downloaded application, enter the command "adb.exe install_name_and_format_APK". With "APK_name and_format" being the name and format of the APK file you downloaded in Step 5.

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Wait a few seconds for Windows to install the application from your APK file. When it's done, you'll see it appear in the Start Menu, and you can launch it to use as a normal Android app.

Very simple, right? 

Jessica Tanner

Update 24 October 2021