In a world where seamless integration between devices is key, Microsoft has taken a bold step forward by introducing the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). This exciting feature allows Windows users to run Android apps directly on their PCs, creating a more unified experience across different platforms. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of installing the Windows Subsystem for Android, bringing the best of both worlds to your fingertips.
Installing Android apps on Windows 11
You can install the Windows Subsystem for Android Windows app using an installer package of the program from Microsoft or by signing up for the Beta or Developer builds in the Windows Insider Program. This guide focuses on the former method.
Installing the Windows Subsystem for Android
To install WSA, we 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.
- Head to store.rg-adguard.net.
- Copy the following link and paste it into the URL box: www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windows-subsystem-for-android/9p3395vx91nr
- Click the drop-down arrow to the right and select Slow.
- Click the checkmark to search for files.
- Scroll down and click the largest MSIX bundle to start the download. As of this writing, 2304.40000.7.0 is the latest version and is 1.35GB. If the download doesn’t work, right-click on the file and select the Save link option.
- When the download finishes, go to the file’s location.
- Double-click on the file and click the Install button.
- Once finished installing, the Windows Subsystem for Android launches.
Installing an app store: Aurora Store
There are many safe Google Play Store alternatives, and one of our favorites is the Aurora Store. As WSA allows sideloading, installing any third-party store and other apps is simple. If you want to avoid sideloading an APK, WSA Sideloader should be the perfect solution. All you do is install and open it, download and browse the location of an APK file, and click Install. If that doesn’t work, here’s how to manually install an APK on Windows Subsystem for Android.
- Get the stable Aurora Store APK from its official website.
- Install the Android Debugging Bridge.
- Navigate to the Platform Tools folder, right-click, and select Open in Terminal. This opens a new Powershell command prompt.
- Open Windows Subsystem for Android, go to Developer, and turn on Developer mode.
- Once turned on, Android’s Developer options may pop up in a window. Close it, and you’ll see a string of numbers separated by periods and a semicolon. You may need to confirm or add the Windows Subsystem for Android app to your firewall before it shows these numbers.
- Go to the Terminal and type adb connect number. Replace number with the number you see in the Developer mode section, then press Enter. For example, ADB connect 127.0.0.1:2000.
- Once done, it returns connected and asks you to allow USB debugging. Click Allow to proceed. Check the Always allow from this computer option to skip this step in the future.
- Move the Aurora Store APK file to the Platform Tools folder.
- Enter adb install AuroraStore_4.1.1.apk in Terminal. Here, 4.1.1 refers to the version number, which could differ depending on when you’re reading this. Copy the exact file name and paste it into Terminal, then press Enter. As an easier option, type adb install, press the space bar, then drag and drop the file onto the Terminal screen to point to the exact file.
- Once done, open the Start menu. You’ll find Aurora Store in the Recommended section. Alternatively, you can search for it using thesearch bar.
Now that Aurora Store is installed and ready to go, the next step is to open it, set it up, and install your favorite apps. Installing apps from the store is similar to the Google Play Store.
Setting up Aurora Store
Here’s how to set up the Aurora Store app.
- Click the Aurora Store icon to start the application.
- Accept the Terms of service and click Next.
- Check Session installer and click Next.
- Choose the app’s theme and accent, and click Next.
- Grant all the required permissions and proceed further.
- When you’re done, click Finish.
- As WSA lacks GApps, the Sign in with Google option won’t work, so click Anonymous.
- You’ll then see the Aurora Store homepage.
- To download an app, click an icon and the Install buttonto start the download.
- Once done, you’ll see a window containing the package installer. Click Install.
- Once an app is installed, you can find it in the Start menu’s Recommended section or All apps.
- Here’s Instagram running on WSA.
Conclusion:
The Windows Subsystem for Android opens up new possibilities for Windows users, allowing them to enjoy the best of both worlds on a single device. By following these simple steps, you can seamlessly integrate Android apps into your Windows 11 environment, creating a more connected and efficient computing experience. Embrace the future of cross-platform functionality with the Windows Subsystem for Android.