How to Run Android Apps in Windows 10

Install the BlueStacks emulator to use Android apps on your PC

By
Aaron Peters
Aaron Peters
Aaron Peters
Writer
  • Villanova University
Aaron Peters is a writer with Lifewire who has 20+ years experience troubleshooting and writing about consumer and business technology. His work appears in Linux Journal, MakeUseOf, and others.
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Published on July 29, 2024
Microsoft

What to Know

  • An Android emulator like BlueStacks is the best way to play Android games and run other Android apps on Windows.
  • To control your phone from Windows 10, install AirDroid and turn on Screen Mirroring and Remote Control.

This article describes two ways to use Android apps on a Windows 10 PC.

Install BlueStacks to Run Android Apps on a PC

BlueStacks is one example of a free Android emulator. As an emulator, this software mimics Android on your Windows 10 computer. Use this method if there are Android games and other apps you want easy access to on Windows. You don't need an Android phone to use an emulator.

See our guide on how to use BlueStacks to run Android apps on Windows, or follow these general steps to get started:

  1. Download BlueStacks to your computer and then install it.

  2. Use the search bar at the top of the program to find an app to install.

  3. Select Install on App Player to get the app and start using it on your computer.

    Adventure Escape Mysteries in BlueStacks on Windows

    Use AirDroid to Mirror Android on Windows 10

    AirDroid is a free app that runs on Android, so you need an Android device to use this method. Once it's installed, you can view your phone live on your computer screen. If you enable remote control, you can even control your phone from Windows 10.

  4. Install AirDroid on your phone.

  5. Open the app and tap Sign in. Log in using one of the options, such as your Google account.

    Install, Open, and Sign in buttons highlighted in the AirDroid app.

  6. Tap Continue on the permission request to access your phone's files.

  7. Tap the toggle next to Allow access to manage all files.

  8. Tap Allow on the prompt for AirDroid to run in the background.

    Continue, Allow access toggle, and Allow button highlighted in the AirDroid app for Android.

  9. Select OK on the Security & Remote Features screen to continue setup.

  10. Go to Screen Mirroring > Grant permission > Still enable to turn on screen mirroring functionality. This is necessary if you want to see your Android apps and screen from your computer.

    Screen Mirroring, Grant permission, and Still enable highlighted in the AirDroid app for Android.

  11. Select Continue on the prompt to allow display over other apps.

  12. Tap AirDroid from your list of apps.

  13. Tap the toggle next to Allow display over other apps.

    Continue, AirDroid, and the toggle highlighted in AirDroid for Android.

  14. Return to AirDroid and go to Remote Control > Enable remote control > Still enable.

    Remote Control, Enable remote control, and Still enable highlighted in AirDroid for Android.

  15. Now you need to install a small add-on from the Play Store to actually enable remote control access between your computer and phone. To do this, follow the on-screen prompts to select Download and install > Download > Install.

    Download and install, Download, and Install buttons highlighted in AirDroid and Play Store.

  16. Return to AirDroid and tap Grant permissions > OK.

  17. Tap the toggle next to Use AirDroid Control Add-on, then tap Allow on the prompt.

    Grant permissions, Use AirDroid, and Allow buttons highlighted in AirDroid and Settings for Android.

  18. Tap Done on the screen that says remote control is enabled.

  19. Tap the Transfer tab at the bottom of AirDroid, followed by AirDroid Web.

  20. On your computer, enter the IP address and port number shown in the AirDroid app.

    Done, Transfer, AirDroid Web, and Option 2 paragraph highlighted in AirDroid.

  21. When AirDroid opens on your computer, use one of the sign in options at the bottom to log in to the same account you signed in to from your phone.

    Sign in with options highlighted at the bottom of AirDroid on Windows.

  22. Select your Android device from the Choose a device prompt.

    Google Pixel 7a highlighted in AirDroid on Windows

  23. Select Mirroring from the AirDroid desktop on your computer.

    Mirroring highlighted on the AirDroid desktop on Windows.

  24. You'll see your whole Android screen on your Windows computer. You can launch apps from either device to see them displayed on your Windows 10 PC.

    A Pixel 7 phone mirrored to a Windows computer
FAQ
  • How do I connect my Android to my Windows PC?

    Connect your phone and PC with a USB cable and select Transfer files on your Android. On your PC, select Open device to view files > This PC. Alternatively, connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.

  • What is the best Android emulator?

    BlueStacks, Andy, Genymotion, Remix OS, and NoxPlayer are some of the most popular Android emulators for Windows. Android Studio from Google also has a built-in emulator.

  • Can I run Windows on Android?

    No, but you can use Microsoft Launcher to access Windows apps from your Android phone or tablet. Microsoft Launcher customizes your phone's look with Windows 10-style wallpapers, themes, and icons.

  • Can I use Android apps on Windows 11?

    Yes, Windows 11 supports Android apps. You can purchase Android apps for Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store. You do not need an emulator to run them.

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