Replace: The strategy beneath isn’t working on the time of writing, and we’ve been unable to search out an alternate technique. If a brand new model turns into out there and we are able to confirm it really works, we’ll replace this text.
One in every of Home windows 11’s huge new options is the flexibility to natively run Android apps. This was beforehand solely doable utilizing third-party software program, and also you’ve by no means been capable of absolutely combine cellphone apps throughout the Home windows desktop earlier than.
Nonetheless, there are two huge caveats to concentrate on. Android apps on Home windows 11 require an SSD and at the very least 8GB of RAM, regardless of older HDDs and 4GB of RAM being appropriate with Home windows 11. Microsoft even recommends 16GB for the perfect expertise, one thing most customers received’t have.
However even when your gadget can run Android apps easily, you would possibly nonetheless be underwhelmed with the expertise. That’s as a result of it makes use of the Amazon Appstore, which gives only a fraction of the apps out there on the Google Play Retailer. However what should you may have each?
Regardless of not being formally supported, there’s a technique to set up the Play Retailer and run apps from it. The strategy has modified a few instances since Home windows 11 first launched, however we’ve examined and might affirm this model is working. It’s additionally malware-free, one thing which might’t be stated for an earlier iteration.
Easy methods to set up the Google Play Retailer on Home windows 11
Earlier than continuing, it’s price noting that this course of solely works with x86, 64-bit gadget or these which are ARM-based. It received’t work should you’re working 32-bit {hardware} – head to Settings > System > About and test ‘System kind’ should you’re unsure.
You’ll additionally want to verify virtualization is enabled. Head to Management Panel > Packages > Flip Home windows options on or off. Make sure that the bins subsequent to ‘Digital Machine Platform’ and ‘Home windows Subsystem for Linux’ are each ticked, then click on ‘OK’ to verify. It’ll take some time to search out the required recordsdata, then you definitely’ll must restart your gadget.
When you’ve already put in the Home windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), you’ll must uninstall it. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & options and seek for it. If nothing seems, it’s not put in. As soon as that’s all completed, you’re able to proceed:
- Head to Settings > Privateness & safety > For builders
- Below ‘Developer Mode’, click on the toggle to show it on, then click on ‘Sure’ to verify
- Obtain the next 859Mb file on x64 units: WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_x64_Release-Nightly.zip. On ARM-based units, use this hyperlink as a substitute: WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_arm64_Release-Nightly
- As soon as full, head to the Downloads folder inside File Explorer and find the file. Choose it and select ‘Extract all’ – it will take a number of seconds
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- Choose the extracted file and hit Ctrl + C to repeat
- Open the C: drive from the left pane, then hit Ctrl + V to stick it. The folder ought to seem beneath ‘Home windows’ within the listing
- From the pop-up that seems, click on ‘Proceed’ to supply administrator permission
- Choose the search bar subsequent to the Begin menu and sort ‘powershell’. From the choices that seem on the best, select ‘Run as Administrator’ and click on ‘Sure’ to verify you permit adjustments to be made
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- From the window that seems, click on subsequent to the place it says ‘PS C:WINDOWSsystem32>’ and paste the next: cd C:WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_x64_Release-Nightly
- Hit enter, then paste the next: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Course of -ExecutionPolicy Bypass
- Hit enter once more, then kind ‘A’ and hit enter as soon as extra
- Then, copy the next and hit enter – .Set up.ps1
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- After a number of seconds, it is best to see a message saying ‘The operation accomplished efficiently’. As soon as processed, the Home windows Subsystem for Android will start working and the Play Retailer will mechanically open
Nonetheless, you will have seen a message saying ‘VirtWifi has no web entry’. The Play Retailer received’t run with out it, however Home windows Defender Firewall blocks it. It’s not protected to show off the firewall fully, however you may make this the exception to the rule:
- Utilizing the search operate subsequent to the Begin menu, kind ‘superior safety’ and open ‘Home windows Defender Firewall with Superior Safety’
- From the underside of the Overview part, click on ‘Home windows Defender Firewall Properties’
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- Subsequent to ‘Protected community connections’, click on ‘Customise…’
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- Uncheck the field subsequent to ‘vEthernet (WSL)’ and click on ‘OK’
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
- Click on ‘OK’ once more to verify
The Play Retailer will now be working as supposed. Simply open it and sign up along with your Google account, then you possibly can obtain any app you want. Some will work higher than others, however all may be pinned to the taskbar and are appropriate with Home windows 11’s multitasking options.
One reader reported that the Amazon Appstore can get eliminated through the course of. To repair this, simply reinstall the app from the Microsoft Retailer – you need to use it and the Google Play Retailer alongside one another. In your Google account, the gadget will present up as a Pixel 5, which can have a small impact on the apps you’re capable of set up. The overwhelming majority will nonetheless be out there, although.