We’ve often wished that our Android apps could run on our Windows PC because, why not, bigger screen, better hardware, and a better overall user experience. Using Android apps on Windows was painful before Windows 11. However, with Windows 11, it began to support Android apps officially and is limited to using the Amazon Appstore instead of Google Play Store. However, by making a few package changes to the WSA (Windows Subsystem for Android), you can install Google Play Store on Windows 11.
We’ll walk you through the steps of installing Google Play Store on your Windows 11 PC in this article. But first, let us go over some fundamentals for a better understanding.
What is Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA)?
The Windows Subsystem for Android is a necessary component for running Android apps on a Windows device in the Hyper-V virtual environment. The core component drives the Amazon AppStore and its entire catalog. It is in charge of all Android apps that run on it.
The Subsystem includes Linux Kernel and the Android OS and runs it in a Hyper-V Virtual Machine. It is entirely based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Version 11. After it is installed, Windows Subsystem for Android can easily be accessed from the Apps & Features section of Windows 11, and it can also be uninstalled from there.
It’s not going to be a smooth ride, as both the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore are only available in the Beta Channel for Windows insiders in the United States. The user experience is also subpar. To avoid all of that, sideload Android apps from the Google Play Store. Yes, you can use full-fledged Google Services on your Windows 11 computer. Here’s how.
Minimum Requirements For Running Android Apps On Windows
You need to fulfill some crucial requirements to get it done. First, you’ll need the official Amazon Appstore installed on your PC. You can install the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Keep in mind that if your PC can run Windows 11, you’re already eligible to run Android apps. Check for any recent Windows updates and install before proceeding further.
You must enable hardware virtualization on your Windows 11 PC. It is because Windows 11 runs Android on a virtual machine. Hence, enabling hardware virtualization is a must. You can check it by yourself by going to the Performance section in the Task Manager.
If the hardware virtualization isn’t enabled, you must enable Intel VT-X in your PC’s UEFI firmware (BIOS) if your system has an Intel chip. If you’re using an AMD processor, look for AMD-V in the UEFI firmware settings screen.
Also, make sure that you’re using the latest version of the Microsoft Store. Open the Microsoft Store and update all the apps present on the Library page. Once you’ve done all the things we’ve mentioned, you’re good to go. It is recommended that you reboot your PC before proceeding any further.
How To Install Google Play Store in Windows 11
To install Google Play Store on our Windows 11 PC, we’ll take help from a tool called PowerShell Windows Toolbox. It has numerous features, the most important one being able to install the Google Play Store on Windows 11. It offers a more straightforward installation in just a single click rather than requiring additional software.
- Open the Github page on your Web browser, and further scroll down to the How to Use section. Just copy the code present under the Easy Start Command header. Refer to the screenshot.
- Run Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal as administrator. To do that, open the Start menu and search for PowerShell by typing in the search bar. Click Run as Administrator after right-clicking on Windows PowerShell. You can also find it using the Power Menu, i.e., Win + X
- Remember the code you’ve just copied earlier, paste the code in PowerShell, and press Enter. If the screen seems frozen to you, wait for a few seconds.
- Now, the Windows Toolbox will open. You need to click on Install Google Play Store for Windows 11. If you can’t see the option yet, scroll down further.
- Now, get back to the PowerShell window. You might need to enable Virtual Machine Platform if it was disabled earlier. Enter Yes to proceed further.
- A new package will now replace the Windows Subsystem for Android. Enter P to go to the next step.
- We’ve to download the new Windows Subsystem for Android. A bit.ly link will be generated automatically. You can copy-paste the link in your browser and download the ZIP file.
- When the file is downloaded, enter the file’s path in PowerShell. To make it easier, move the file location to a simple path.
- Finally, the old Windows Subsystem will be replaced by the newer version installed in its place.
- There’ll be a few pop-ups here and there regarding the Windows Subsystem for Android, and it will require your input. Make sure that you leave the Settings window open until the script is finished. You’ll find the Google Play Store in the Start menu with all your other apps when it’s finally done.
Steps to Perform After Installing Google Play Store on Windows 11
There are some critical steps that you must follow even after a successful installation of the Google Play Store on your Windows 11 PC. It needs a few more steps to initialize WSA.
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- Go to the WSA Settings from the Start menu and ensure that the Developer mode has been enabled.
- Now, configure the Optional diagnostic data for WSA. You can decide for yourself whether to turn it on or off.
- Wait for a while for the WSA apps to initialize. There must be 8 GB RAM on your system for this operation to succeed.
- Go back to the Search menu and, there, open Google Play Store.
- You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Google Play Services account. Wait for the update to finish.
- Ensure that the Google Play Store is installed correctly on your device and apps are downloading easily.
The Amazon Appstore is the primary and official platform for running Android apps on Windows 11 devices. Still, minor changes to the Windows Subsystem for Android can run a full-fledged Google Play Store, which is many users’ first choice for Android apps.
Can I Run All Android Apps On My Computer With WSA?
With Windows Subsystem For Android, you can only run a selected number of apps on your computer. Not all apps on the Google Play store are compatible with WSA.
Is It Safe To Run Android Apps On Windows With WSA?
It is entirely safe to run Android apps on Windows until you install them from the Amazon app store or Google Play Store. All the apps on these platforms are constantly checked for viruses, malware, or security threats.
This article discussed the PC requirements for your Windows 11 PC and showed you how to install Google Play Store using PowerShell for Windows. It may be a complicated procedure, but it is as simple as it gets. Follow the steps in the correct order, and you’ll be able to install it perfectly.
