Full Tutorial: How to Run Windows Apps on Android [Phone & Tablet]
This post is a stepwise tutorial on Android run Windows apps. We provide you with three feasible ways to run Windows apps on an Android phone. If you are looking for related methods, read on to get the proper one.
By Ellie / Updated on March 17, 2023
Can you run Windows programs on Android?
“What is the way to run PC applications on Android? or Can I install and run Windows on Android device to use those apps?”
-Question from Reddit
How to run Windows apps on Android phone and tablet
A Windows program cannot be run on the Android mobile operating system because it is incompatible with Android OS. Fortunately, some third-party software can assist people who require Android device access to Windows apps.
This section provides 2 options on how to run Windows apps on Android tablet and phone. One is a direct solution and the other is an indirect solution. Each has its advantages. Let’s go ahead.
Option 1. Run Windows apps on Android via Wine directly
We'll start off by discussing how to directly run Windows apps on Android. Wine will be the instrument utilized. Android is now supported by Wine, which was created to act as a bridge between Windows and Linux and enable Windows applications to run on Linux. That implies that running Windows apps on Android is now simple.
Pros:
- ✍It allows you to run Windows apps directly on Android devices.
Cons:
- ✍Some Android versions are not able to install Wine. For example, Android 8 (Oreo).
- ✍No on-screen keyboard. Some versions of Wine don’t support a soft keyboard. You may need a physical keyboard (like a Bluetooth keyboard) if you wish to type something.
- ✍It only allows running limited Windows apps. Examine the list of permitted apps: Desktop apps ported to Windows RT.
Step 1. Navigate to the Wine download page on your Android device. Download and install the latest version.
Step 2. After opening the downloaded APK, install the Wine app on your device.
Step 3. Launch the Wine app on your Android device. The first time you run it, it will take some time to extract its files and set up the Windows environment, but it will be much faster the second time.
Step 4. You will see a classic Windows desktop after installing Wine. Only two options are available: Start and Wine Command Prompt. Start by pressing the Start button.
Step 5. Click Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
Step 6. Click the Install button in the new window.
Step 7. It will launch a file dialog. You can browse and choose the application (.exe) you want to install here.
Step 8. The program's installer will be visible. Install the application using the installer's on-screen instructions just like you would any other Windows program.
Option 2. Remote into Windows PC and run apps on Android via AnyViewer
Another indirect way to run Windows apps on Android is to first remote into Windows PC from Android and then run apps on your phone just like you’re using the PC. The software we recommend is the free remote desktop software for mobile devices AnyViewer.
Pros:
- ✍It allows you to run any Windows app on Android with no restrictions.
- ✍It enables users to not only run Windows apps on Android, but also troubleshoot computers, manage computers, and access PC files, among other things.
- ✍It is compatible with all Android device versions.
- ✍It supports an on-screen keyboard.
Cons:
- ✍It only allows you to run Windows apps on Android devices in an indirect manner.
Part 1. Preparation work on Windows PC
Step 1. Download, install and launch AnyViewer on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)
Step 3. Fill in the signup information.
Step 4. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you’ve logged in to.
Part 2. Perform unattended remote access on Android phone
Step 1. Download AnyViewer for Android on the Android device.
Step 2. Log into the account you’ve signed up for above.
Step 3. The devices that have been logged into the same account will be displayed on My devices list.
Step 4. Tap your target PC and tap One-click control to quickly connect to the PC.
Step 5. Then you can fully control the remote PC from the Android device.
Tips: AnyViewer also supports iOS devices, you can access Windows computer from iPhone or iPad and run apps on your phone.
Wrapping up
This post introduces how to run Windows apps on Android. Two proven ways are mentioned here. If you would like to run Windows apps on Android directly, you can use Wine. If you would like to do more things on the Windows PC with your Android, not only run Windows apps, you can use AnyViewer. The pros and cons of them are also listed. You can choose according to your needs.
