For a few years, Windows 11 users have been able to enjoy the integration of the operating system with Android and all the advantages that this entails. Unfortunately, we have recently learned of the end of compatibility of Android applications on Windows. The question that many users ask themselves is this: How to install APK on Windows from now on?
Through a statement, Microsoft gave the news to all users: support for the Subsystem for Windows for Android (WSA) was no longer in service. For those who already had these applications installed, the service would continue to be available until March 5, 2025. After that, nothing.
Given such a scenario, we are left without the simplest way to install APK on Windows. However, we still have the previous method. Something slower and more laborious, it is true, but equally effective. Not only that, but It also has some advantages. For example, the Amazon Appstore or Windows Store "toll" is avoided. We don't rely on complicated or messy command line interfaces.
It should also be noted that this method of install Android apps on Windows 11 It has never stopped being available. In fact, during this time it has been used to install those apps that were not in the Amazon Appstore.
On the other hand, it is necessary to know that Using third-party applications to install APKs is not always safe, since they can be the gateway for viruses and malware to our computer. For this reason, it is best to only use tools that offer minimum guarantees. We talk about them in the next section.
Best tools to install APK on Windows
Although it is a concept that most users know well, we must remember that the data of any Android application is compressed within the APK file (Android Application Package). That is the information we need to install it on other devices, in addition to an installation tool.
At Lóleo Eventos, Microsoft official store we can find some of the best APK installers on Windows. Some of them are free, although there are many others that are paid that may be worth trying. Those that are part of our selection are totally reliable:
apk installer
This is an Android app installer for Windows 10 and Windows 11. apk installer makes downloading Android apps extremely easy, regardless. All you have to do is double-click on the application package and follow the on-screen prompts. It is basically following the “apkinstaller:?source=(URL link)” protocol.
In addition to this, you can check the characteristics of each package: application name, version, logo, necessary requirements, etc. It is a free tool rated 3,6 out of 5 in the Microsoft Store user rating.
Unofficial APK Installer
Unofficial APK Installer is one of the best free tools to install APK files, especially for those users who want to enjoy Android games on their Windows 11 PC. Let's not forget that this is one of the main motivations of many users of these APKs. All with improved performance and on a larger screen.
The necessary requirements to use this tool are to have the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) as well as Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
APK Installer for Android Subsystem
Another good option to install APK on Windows is this: APK Installer for Android Subsystem, a simple installer for WSA (Windows 11 Subsystem for Android) available to any user, regardless of their technical knowledge.
To use this installer you must ensure that it is updated to the latest version. Afterwards, you just have to activate developer mode and check that the IP address is displayed correctly. Finally, you just have to follow the instructions that the installer dictates to us.
apk editor pro
A paid installer, but quite affordable (it only costs 1,99 euros). apk editor pro It is a very versatile tool. We can use it to create, decompile, modify and manage all kinds of APK files. It was launched less than a year ago, so it has not yet accumulated many ratings from Microsoft store users. It is also compatible with Windows 10, not just Windows 11.
Simple APK Installer
Its price is 4,59 euros, but it is also true that it is one of the most popular and best-rated tools to install and manage APKs on Windows. As its name well indicates, Simple APK Installer It is very easy to download and handle. Quickly, with just a few clicks, you can install any .apk file.
Finally, it is important to insist on the point that downloading APK files from pages of dubious reliability can end up bringing us more problems than benefits. However, by using the right tools, this risk is reduced to almost zero.