Skip to main content

You can now install any Android app on Windows 11 with a single click

Android apps arrived on Windows 11 not too long ago, but there’s still one big issue: Windows only supports the Amazon Android app store, which has less than a fourth of the apps that can be found on Google Play. But there’s a solution in the form of WSATools, a utility from engineering student Simone Franco that not only allows you to install any Android app, but also makes the process much easier.

Around the time of the announcement of Windows 11, we received confirmation that users would be able to sideload, or unofficially install, any Android app on Windows 11. The problem is that the process is tedious. It requires multiple downloads from separate sources, a lot of tweaking, and some time in the command line.

Android apps on Windows 11.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

WSATools deals with all of that in the background. After you load it up, it will automatically install the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — essential for sideloading apps — and ask what Android app you want to install. The process is as seamless as installing Android apps through the Amazon Appstore.

Recommended Videos

And that’s great news because Android apps work excellently on Windows 11. The limited number of available apps on Amazon work well, as do many APKs — the file extension associated with Android apps. It’s important to note that performance when sideloading apps can’t be guaranteed, so proceed at your own risk.

To access Android apps on Windows 11 right now, you need to be a Windows Insider (we have guidance on how to join in our how to install Windows 11 guide). You also need WSATools from the Microsoft Store, which was just updated to fix a bug that caused ADB installation to get stuck.

Although sideloading Android apps is much easier on Windows 11 now, it’s not without risks. The most important thing to know is that a sideload is an unofficial install. At best, that could mean apps don’t perform as well as they do on native hardware, or that you run into bugs that developers may not be inclined to fix.

At worst, you could encounter malicious code. You can’t just download an APK file from Google Play, so you have to seek out third-party sources. APKMirror is one of the more trustworthy options, as the site doesn’t host any pirated or paid apps. It also cross-checks unchangeable APK certificates to verify that apps are legit (make sure to look for an icon indicating this is the case).

Still, sideloading carries risks regardless of the installation method or source of the APK, so proceed at your own risk. Although we always knew that users would be able to sideload Android apps on Windows 11, it’s nice to see the community take advantage of Android’s open-source nature to make the process easier.

Jacob Roach
Former Lead Reporter, PC Hardware
Jacob Roach is the lead reporter for PC hardware at Digital Trends. In addition to covering the latest PC components, from…
I hope Microsoft adds these 6 things to the next major Windows Update
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

Windows 11 updates have a bit of a reputation, from slowing Intel's newest desktop processors to breaking games. Despite the occasional hiccup, we still look forward with cautious optimism.

Despite the occasional rough patch, Microsoft continues to evolve the OS, and each update feels like a chance for a new beginning. While Microsoft hasn't confirmed anything yet, the rumor mill is buzzing with what comes next, and I'm starting to feel excited. The talk of new features suggests fixes for long-standing annoyances, productivity boosts, and quality-of-life improvements worth waiting for.
What's coming to Windows in 2025?

Read more
Microsoft could make account-free Windows 11 installs a thing of the past
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

The offline Windows 11 install looks like it could officially be a thing of the past. 

Microsoft is officially shutting the door on local accounts during Windows 11 setup, confirming that all new installations, Home and Pro alike, will now require a Microsoft account. 

Read more
Mac users are now in danger of a well-known Windows phishing attack
Apple MacBook Air 13 M4 rear view showing lid and logo.

If you're using a Mac, such as the new MacBook Air, you might have to be careful. A phishing attack that previously plagued Windows users has now made its way to macOS, and it's easy to fall for it.

This was spotted by 9to5Mac. Researchers from LayerX have been tracking a well-known phishing attack that caused a lot of grief to those who were tricked by it. Previously, the main target of these hackers was Windows, but Microsoft was able to largely eliminate it -- up to 90% of all attacks on Windows PCs are said to have been fixed thanks to new updates to Edge, Chrome, and Firefox that block scareware.

Read more