Top 3 Ways to Run Android Apps on PC [Detailed Steps]

Can you run an Android app on a PC?

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the lines between different devices and platforms continue to blur. One intriguing question that often arises is whether it's possible to run Android apps on a PC. As smartphones become more powerful and versatile, the desire to harness the capabilities of mobile applications on a desktop or laptop has grown.

This post navigates you through diverse methods to run Android apps on PC. Delve into the details, weigh your options, and select the method that aligns with your specific requirements.

How to run Android apps on PC [3 options]

Here are the top three options to run Android apps on PC, the remote desktop software for Android, the Android emulators, and the Android-x86 project.

Option 1. Remote desktop software for Android

Harnessing remote desktop software stands out as a widely favored method for running Android apps on a PC. This approach grants you complete control over your Android device directly from your PC, enabling seamless interaction with Android applications as if you were using the device itself.

Amid the plethora of remote desktop software available, AnyViewer emerges as a top recommendation. This user-friendly and free remote desktop tool facilitates connections between Windows PCs and Android devices. Whether you find yourself anywhere in the world, AnyViewer empowers you to effortlessly manipulate a remote Android device right from your PC.

Note: AnyViewer also facilitates control of your PC from Android devices, offering the flexibility to run Windows apps on your Android device.

Step 1. Begin by downloading and installing AnyViewer on your computer.

Step 2. After installing AnyViewer, open the app and sign in with your account details.

Step 3. Get AnyViewer on your Android device by downloading and installing it from the app store. Once installed, open the app and log in using the same account details.

Step 4. On your computer, go to the Device section. There, pinpoint the target Android device and then choose Remote Control.

Step 5. On your Android phone, allow the remote control request. You should enable the AnyViewer Auxiliary Service option in the Accessibility settings. Tap Enable. Go to Installed Services > AnyViewer > enable AnyViewer Auxiliary Service.

Step 6. Now, with this setup, you have complete control of your Android device directly from your PC. Feel free to run any app of your choice seamlessly.

Option 2. Android emulators

Another popular way is to use Android emulators to run apps on PC. An emulator is a software that simulates the Android operating system (OS) on a different platform, typically a desktop or laptop computer. These emulators create a virtual environment that allows users to run Android apps and games on non-Android devices.

Bluestacks is one of the most popular and widely used Android emulators that lets you run Android apps on your computer. It's known for its ease of use and supports a wide range of apps, including games. With features like keyboard and mouse integration, it provides a comfortable way to interact with Android apps on a larger screen.

Step 1. Open your browser and go to www.bluestacks.com. Download and install BlueStacks.

Step 2. Launch BlueStacks and sign in to your Google Play account to access Android apps.

Step 3. Browse or search for the app you want, and click "Install" to download it to your computer.

Step 4. Navigate to the BlueStacks home screen and click on the app icon to launch the installed Android app. Voila! Now you can seamlessly run Android apps on your PC.

Option 3. Android-x86 project

The Android-x86 project is an open-source initiative that aims to port the Android operating system to the x86 architecture, allowing it to run on traditional PC hardware. Android is primarily designed for ARM-based devices like smartphones and tablets, but the Android-x86 project extends its compatibility to x86-based computers, such as desktops and laptops. Let’s see how to run Android apps on PC via the Android-x86 project.

Step 1. Visit the official Android-x86 website (https://www.android-x86.org/) and navigate to the "Downloads" section. Download the latest stable ISO image suitable for your architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 2. Download Rufus (for Windows) from the official site and use it to create a bootable USB drive. Set it up by following the tool's provided instructions.

Step 3. Plug in the bootable USB drive. Rufus will automatically detect the flash drive. Next, choose the Android-x86 ISO file from your download folder. Click "Start" to initiate the process.

Step 4. Reboot your computer and enter the boot menu or BIOS/UEFI settings.

Step 5. Select the USB drive from the boot menu to start the Android-x86 live environment.

Step 6. Select Android-x86 Installation.

Step 7. During the installation, you'll be prompted to choose a partition where Android-x86 will be installed. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Step 8. After the installation is complete, you may be asked to reboot your computer. Remove the USB drive and boot into the newly installed Android-x86 system.

Step 9. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Android, including configuring language, and Wi-Fi, and signing in with a Google account.

Step 10. Once Android-x86 is installed, you can explore the Android interface on your computer. Use a mouse and keyboard to navigate, similar to how you would on a regular computer.

The bottom line

In the dynamic realm of technology convergence, running Android apps on PC is not just a possibility; it's a reality. This post has meticulously guided you through three distinct avenues: the user-friendly AnyViewer for remote desktop access, the widely-used Bluestacks emulator, and the innovative Android-x86 project. Whether you prefer seamless control, emulation, or a full Android OS experience on your PC, the choice is yours. Embrace the diversity of methods outlined here and unlock the full potential of Android applications on your desktop or laptop.