Hack it! On Windows 11, here is how to run Android apps, games now

Windows 11 arrived last week, bringing along several changes and upgrades to Microsoft’s operating system – both in terms of visual and performance improvements. While users have been able to try out most of the new features after updating, the biggest change that is yet to arrive is support for running Android apps on Windows, a feature that is yet to be enabled by Microsoft. While several gamers are waiting for the feature, users on Windows 11 can run Android apps right away, using some of the same tricks that Windows 10 users rely on, until Microsoft turns on the ability to use Android apps in a future update.

While Windows 11 will eventually add support for Android apps on the desktop without an emulator and performance should be better than using an emulator, but users who need to run Android apps right away can use these apps to do so without waiting for Microsoft to enable support for Android apps. However, users might run into bugs, considering that the new Windows 11 update has only been released a week ago.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

Bluestacks

No mention of Android emulators is complete without Bluestacks, which will celebrate its tenth year anniversary tomorrow, on October 11. Over the years, this emulator has become the most popular app and game emulator on Windows and allows users to control their experience in games using a mouse and keyboard. Users can play games like Battlegrounds Mobile India, Asphalt 9, or use apps like Instagram, WhatsApp and more from their desktop.

NoxPlayer

If you have tried Bluestacks but found that the emulator did not run well on your PC, you can try and download NoxPlayer, which will allow you to run several apps together on your computer. What this means is that if you want, you can run the Instagram app alongside WhatsApp and the Amazon app. Similarly, if you want you can also use your keyboard and mouse inside these apps, making it a good choice if you want to run a few games.

Android Studio

Compared to the other two, this one is now as fast or as efficient. The service, which is provided by Google for developers, however, allows users to test features like gesture simulation or accelerometer and gyroscope simulation, something that can come in handy when testing your own application if you are a developer. However, users must be aware that this emulator is not ideal for gaming, but can be used to try out apps on their PC.