Android Studio’s emulator. Price: Free Android Studio is the default development console for Android. It comes with a bunch of tools to help developers make apps and games specifically for Android. Syncios is a simple and easy to use Android desktop manager software for Windows. It allows you to manage apps, media, files, etc. Of a phone from PC.Important management options like import, export, add, delete, etc., make it a good software for Android device management.
Surprised! It’s true you can run Android apps on Windows using these Android emulators.
Phone Screen feature allows you to effectively mirror your Android phone’s screen directly on your PC. But something is for sure, this isn’t the ultimate solution to run Android apps on Windows 10.
What is the use of Emulator?
Emulators are used for two most common purposes:
1. For Gaming: – Some gamers like to play their favourite Android games on PC as they don’t need to worry about battery life. Moreover, they can use little tricks and win easily.
2. Development: – Developers before releasing the final version of their app/ game like to test it on several machines. For this, the most common emulator used is Android Studio emulator.
If you wonder, how to install and run Android apps on Windows 10, then we have an effective solution available for you in the form of the best Android emulator for PC. These smart apps help you run your favorite Android app or game on a big PC screen.
The Best Ways to Install and Run Android Apps on Windows 10
1. Bluestacks Emulator
One of the robust Android emulators, that allows you to run Android games and apps on Windows is Bluestacks. Although this Android emulator is just an app player. This means you’ll not be able to replicate complete Android experience. But its custom design makes easy to toggle emulation settings and launch apps. Moreover, with Bluestacks you can take mobile gaming on the PC to the next level. That is why instead of being known as an Android emulator it is considered as one of the best Android gaming platforms on Windows 10.
To use Bluestacks Android emulator on Windows 10 follow the steps below:
Step1: Download Bluestacks by clicking here.
Step 2: Once done launch and install the application > select the location to save app and data files. (Bluestacks installs on OS drive by default.)
Step 3: Once the installation is done, launch the Bluestacks app and enter your Google account details. Here you’ll find all your installed and purchased apps.
Also Read: Top 10 Bluestacks Android Emulator Alternatives
2. YouWave
![Android App Use In Pc Software Android App Use In Pc Software](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8O1YWCuTBL0/maxresdefault.jpg)
Download thousands of Android apps within YouWave – one of the older Android emulators for Windows 10. This Android emulator for Windows 10 provides a ten-day trial, meaning you can get the feel of Android apps and decide if you want to buy it.
Unlike Bluestacks, YouWave does not offer any game-specific feature but it gives a full Android system on Windows 10. Moreover, YouWave has its own instance of VirtualBox, therefore, if you have VirtualBox installed you’ll have to uninstall it.
You won’t find many apps on YouWave but can install Google Play on it to get more apps.
To use YouWave click the View menu > select Online Content > click Google Play icon and download it.
Again, click View menu > select Apps > click the Google Play app. Google Play will be installed.
You will now be able to launch Google Play within the Android emulator to browse and install Android apps on Windows 10. To download apps, you’ll need a Google account, but if you don’t have one, you can always create a new one.
Also Read: What Are The Best SNES Emulators For Android?
3. Android Studio’s Emulator
This one is the default console you get in Android devices. It comes with different tools to help developers design apps and games. Android Studio’s Emulator simulates Android device on Windows 10 devices. It allows developers to test their applications on various devices and Android API without a physical device.
Android Studio’s emulator is designed for developers as the setup is complicated and a novice might face difficulty in setting it up.
4. Genymotion
Genymotion is an incredible Android emulator for Windows 10. Using it very easy this means you won’t face any problem navigating and controlling applications. Dozens of Android apps can be emulated using Genymotion.
This Android emulator is for Windows and is a cloud-based tool that helps to boost efficiency.
5. ARChon Runtime
This Android emulator allows you to run APK Android apps and games on your PC. Designed for Windows, Chrome OS, Linux, this is an amazing tool.
If you want to use this Android emulator to run Android apps on Windows 10 manual effort is required in terms of installation and optimization.
ARChon directly is not an emulator it runs natively in its proper runtime. You can use it to run Android apps in Chrome. This means you can run Android apps on any OS that has Chrome installed on it.
To use it download it. Unzip the downloaded file > rename its directory. Open Chrome > head to chrome://extensions > enable developer mode > click load unpacked extension > select the directory where you unzipped ARChon Runtime. Chrome will now load the extension and you’ll see ARChon Runtime among the extensions.
6. Bliss
This Android emulator is an open-source OS based on Android that you can run on Windows 10 to run Android apps. It works on PC via a virtual machine, using a USB stick you can run it. Surely, it is a power user option hence not recommended for simple users.
Moreover, Bliss Android emulator for Windows 10 provides an option to customize settings. Along with this, Bliss OS offers additional security options and features.
7. PrimeOS
PrimeOS is an operating system based on Android X86. It converts your computer into Android like device so that you can use exclusive Android apps and still get the feel of a computer.
PrimeOS transforms your PC into the best gaming mobile device so that you can play games with your Mouse and Keyboard. It adopts start menu to give you the fell of the system. You can manage installed apps and can also search, create shortcuts and enter into the system settings.
8. KoPlayer
Another Android emulator worth mentioning is KoPlayer. This emulator allows you to run Android games and apps on PC. It has a number of features that make it stand out.
KOPlayer is a solid Android emulator for Windows 10 that allows running Android apps on Windows 10. This emulator brings quality Android playing experience to the Windows platform. KOPlayer uses cutting edge kernel technology.
9. Remix OS
Latest Remix OS gives the option to run Android apps on Windows 10. This Android emulator ensures that Android is not restricted just to a smartphone. Using this full-blown operating system made by Jide you can enjoy running Android apps on your Windows PC. All types of apps including games can be run on this OS.
Using Android Apps On Pc
The only drawback of this OS is its setup as it is a bit complicated. To set it up you’ll need to disable secure boot > choose Remix OS. This OS was derived from Android-X86 that allow Android to work on regular PC hardware without any problem.
10. Andy
Another useful platform that lets you run Android apps and games on PC is Andy. It is built on Android Marshmallow and is perfect especially when you want to enjoy some selected games. This one comes pre-installed with Amazon Appstore. This means you won’t miss Google Playstore. There is no doubt in the stability but there is drawback you may see ads that will interrupt your work.
11. AMIDuOS
Still, looking for more option on how to run Android apps on Windows 10 then you can consider this option. AMIDuOS Android emulator allows using the PC for launching apps developed for Android OS.
To use this Android emulator, you need only 2GB free space on your hard drive. It is compatible with all new versions of Windows. Moreover, Amazon Appstore comes pre-installed to offer your various apps.
FAQ
1. Can I run Android apps on my computer?
Yes, you can. The easiest & safest solution to run Android apps on your computer is to use best Android emulator for PC. These apps come with a suitable mechanism and environment to help you run your favorite Android app or game on a big PC screen.
2. How do I run Android apps on Windows?
With the Phone Screen feature, you can mirror your Android phone’s screen directly on your PC. In addition to that, you can use Android emulator apps for Windows to perform the task. Using these apps is the easiest and safest solution to run Android apps on Windows 10.
3. How to install Google Play apps on Windows 10?
To do this, install an Android emulator app on your PC and start using Google Play apps on Windows 10. To do this, you can install apps such as Bluestacks for seamless user experience.
4. How can I run Android apps on PC without an emulator?
Yes, it is possible. To do this, read the instructions here.
5. Is it illegal to use an emulator?
Using emulator apps is legal as these apps are designed to emulate in a program and runs an OS that is legal itself. However, if you are trying to emulate hardware of a physical device such as an iPhone, then it is illegal.
Conclusion
Being an open-source platform, Android is loved by one and all. It offers tons of useful features that you can’t find on other mobile platforms. One such feature is freedom to access Android apps & games on big PC screens. Now that you know the best Android emulator for PC to run Android apps on Windows 10, do try these smart apps and share your experience in the comments below. You can also like us on our social media platforms to find more useful content.
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If you’re here, you love Android apps and you want to have them on your PC as well. Well, you’re in safe hands. I will guide you through every possible option to bring the Android magic to your laptop.
Just hang on for a while… patience is often rewarding!
Soon there will be PCs that will let you choose between Windows OS and Android OS. At least this is what sources at Intel are saying.
But even if this doesn’t happen anytime soon, you can still run Android apps on a computer even without installing a new OS. The trick will be revealed later. You will have to show some patience for rewards.
1) Mobile emulators offer an excellent solution for anyone trying to run Android apps on PC. However, this isn’t the only way to test mobile apps.
2) You can boot your desktop with Android OS without having to install Virtualbox (explained later). In this case, you will install Android operating system alongside Windows. You will be asked to choose whether to start your computer with Windows or Android when booting up.
3) You can install Virtualbox and install Android OS inside it. This method is also explained in detail later in this article.
Continue reading for tutorials and reviews of free emulators.
1. Run Android apps on PC using an emulator
The easiest way to run mobile apps on a laptop these days is to use a free emulator like Bluestacks or Android official emulator.
Android official emulator comes with a full developer toolkit which means you will need to download Android SDK as well as a number of libraries to finally run the emulator.
Moreover, when you want to run the official emulator, you need to start development studio and from there you can start the emulator. That’s a lot of clicks and programs to run.
Free emulators for your laptop
Bluestacks and other standalone emulators are good at what they do. They emulate an Android operating system inside your Windows or Apple.
There are no additional programs and you don’t really need to install anything like SDK. But still, if you are also interested in trying development, you’d be better using the official emulator.
For everyone else, a free standalone emulator is all you need. Some free standalone options are Bluestacks, Genymotion, Andy, and driod4x.
To make it easier for you to pick an emulator, I’ve reviewed all of them based on my personal experience. I’m going to review two top emulators since these are ones I personally use. If you need more, go ahead and dig reviews in forums for other emulators as well.
But I’m fairly sure you will pick one of these two.
My Short Review of Bluestacks Emulator:
Bluestacks is great. Setting it up is ridiculously easy. Installing new games is as simple as doing it on an actual Android phone.
Stability and performance
Although Bluestacks has focus on games mainly, it does fairly well with other apps. With some high-end games that aren’t listed on Bluestacks website, you might face performance issues.
Features and tools
Bluestacks is a great tool when it comes to basic features. It lets you sideload apps and sync app data with mobile. Unfortunately, these are the only two features that you get with this program.
How to take screen shot on macbook pro. But don’t be disappointed, the next emulator offers better features.
My Review of Andy Emulator
Where Bluestacks lacks, Andy comes in as a free option. It’s a basic emulator with plenty of extra features to keep you interested.
Stability and performance
Andy is actually better compared to Bluestacks when it comes to stability and performance. It plays apps much better compared to Bluestacks. In fact, Andy can play some of the games better than latest smartphones. It’s a clear winner when it comes to performance.
Features and tools
Android App In Pc
With Andy, you get almost same features as your phone. So expect to have notifications, widgets, and other standard Android features such as sideloading.
You can even install third-party launcher apps when emulating Android using Andy. This emulator is definitely the perfect option for those looking to try something better than Bluestacks.
2. Install Android-x86 on your PC
If you want a more dedicated Android operating system environment than what you get with an emulator, then you need to go this route. Install mobile OS on your PC so you can run your gamses.
Fortunately, it’s easy as you’ll learn later.
There is no official Android OS port for x86 computers but you can still make it work using a community-developed version. This community project has ported Android OS to x86 platform.
Is there an easy way to install this operating system?
Everyone can take this project and install it on their PCs just the way you install Windows.
To get this port for your desktop, find the official website for this project and download the operating system files from there.
A word of advice – don’t install Android OS on your work computer.
It’s a community project and it’s not stable. Install it on a PC that no one uses anymore. This OS can run even on outdated hardware.
For more information how to install Android 86x go here.
3. Install Android OS inside a Virtualbox
If you don’t want to dual boot your machine with Android 86 and Bluestacks isn’t your thing, you’re left with the last option to play your favorite apps on your desktop – that is to run the mobile operating system inside VirualBox.
VirtualBox let you emulate an operating system of your choice within Windows environment.
As I promised earlier, I won’t leave you alone on this treacherous path. Follow instructions below to run Android OS on Virtualbox.
- Download Virtualbox from the official website.
- Once downloaded, double-click the installer file.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete installation of Virtualbox.
- Now run the program by double-clicking its icon on your desktop.
Now you need to figure out a way to install Android OS in Virtualbox so that you can play all those crazy games and use your favorite Android apps on PC.
Follow instructions below to create an Android virtual environment.
- Click the NEW button on the left top.
- Provide details for your new OS.
- The wizard will ask for virtual Android-86 image. You can download one here.
- On the next screen, you will need to create partitions for your new operating system.
- After creating partitions, select one of them as primary and make it bootable.
- Now exit partitioning utility and reboot your virtual machine.
- Now you should be able to boot up Android in your virtual machine like any other OS.
When you are able to run mobile apps on PC, you can play your favorite games on a bigger screen. Imagine playing Traffic Rider on PC.
Android App Software Download
You will find a number of other console-quality games in Play market that are great fun to play on a bigger screen.