You can run Android on Windows 11 or Windows 10 with an Android emulator. What this does is emulate the mobile operating system, or at least a portion of it, through a software program that’s capable of running Android.
Everything is contained within the emulation software. This means you can do things not normally possible on your computer, like install Android apps on Windows and test drive various versions of the OS, without needing a phone or tablet.
These emulators can be helpful if your favorite app only runs on your phone, but you’d like to use it from your computer, too, or on a bigger screen. If you’re new to Android and want to test out the newest version before buying an Android phone, some emulators can do that for you.
BlueStacks
Unlike a whole-OS emulator, BlueStacks emulates just Android apps on Windows. It’s really easy to use, so you don’t need to know anything about emulators or even Android to get your apps up and running.
Includes a built-in app store
Installing and opening apps is really easy
Lets you install other APK files that aren’t in the store
Advanced RAM and CPU allocation settings
Earn BlueStacks Points to trade in for gift cards or a paid subscription
Includes ads
Google Play is built-in, so just install the apps you want through the app store, and then open their shortcuts like you would on a mobile device.
If you’re looking for an emulator that lets you quickly install an Android app on your PC, you can’t go wrong with this one.
It’s free, but you can upgrade to BlueStacks Premium for no ads, daily wallpapers, app recommendations, premium support, and more.
- Really easy to use
- Use multiple apps at the same time
- Supports parental controls
- Supports in-app purchases
Some apps work in full-screen mode, you can buy in-app things much like you can from a mobile device, apps for kids are separated into their own tab, and the search tool makes it super easy to find apps in seconds.
MEmu
MEmu is an impressive program that deserves a list on any Android emulator list. It calls itself “the most powerful Android emulator,” and we agree. It’s ideal for inexperienced and adept emulator users alike.
Super customizable
Easily share files between Android and Windows
Frequent updates to the emulator
Install apps via APK files
Feels buggy at times
Must have a premium account for some things
Menu tooltips run off the screen
You get the whole operating system as if you were running a tablet right there on the screen. There’s direct access to the Play Store, so after logging in to your Google account, it’ll feel much like you’re on an Android 7 tablet: just choose which apps to install, and you’ll have them open in no time.
You don’t even need to open MEmu first to run your favorite app. Just make a desktop shortcut so it’s accessible at any time; it’ll open directly in MEmu App Player.
This is quite a beast of a program if you’re interested in customizations. You can adjust performance (great if you have limited system resources), change the render mode, define custom keyboard shortcuts, set keymapping, fake your GPS location, install Android apps manually (without using the app store), shake the screen, automate mouse and keyboard actions, record the screen, and lots more.
There are also one-click toggles to easily enable root mode, GPU memory optimization, ASTC cache, 120 fps mode, and lots more.
Only paying users can remove ads, change the theme, and customize the dock.
GameLoop
This emulator, originally called Tencent Gaming Buddy, launched in 2018 and currently has over 50 million monthly active users.
Responsive program
Includes lists for Popular, Top, and Hot lists
Genres let you browse similar apps
Can install local APK files
Far fewer options than similar emulators
While you can install apps manually from their APK files, it also includes over 1,000 mobile games, and is the official Android emulator for PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Arena of Valor.
The emulator itself is very responsive. This was clear immediately after installing it, and continued throughout downloading and using apps.
The settings include options for changing the screen rendering mode, turning on Root Authority, and adjusting anti-aliasing, resolution, and memory/processor settings. Screenshots and recordings can be saved to any custom folder of your choosing.
Nimo TV is built-in, so you when you’re not playing, you can switch over to this live streaming platform to watch other players who are broadcasting their gameplay.
NoxPlayer
Based on Android 9, NoxPlayer is a free Android emulator that’s made with gaming in mind. Google Play is built in for easy access to games and other apps, and you get the whole Android experience, including the home screen, folders, the notification center, etc.
A great emulator for gamers
Nearly everything is accessible with a keyboard shortcut
Lots of customizable options, like one to root Android in one click
Built-in Google Play, but also supports APK installs
Tries to install other programs during setup
Large initial download (over 700 MB)
Nearly every option in this emulator makes playing games easier. For example, you can record macros, define keys for things like multiple strikes and weapon fires, adjust FPS settings, record the screen, and take screenshots, among other things.
Remix OS Player
Remix OS is an operating system based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, so it looks like your normal OS with a desktop area, start menu, taskbar, and trash bin.
Installing and using apps is really simple
You can run multiple apps at once
Can manually set GPS, phone coverage, and battery level settings
The orientation of the emulator can be rotated
Setup file is over 700 MB
Unable to install downloaded APK files
Last update was in 2016
However, instead of installing the whole Remix OS, you can use the Remix OS Player emulator to run Android apps on your computer.
This software is described as a game emulator for your computer because it lets you customize some shortcuts normally used for navigating games, but you can use Remix OS Player for other apps, too, like Snapchat, Facebook, etc.; everything is available through the Play Store.
Andy
The Andy emulator for Windows puts Android Nougat on your computer. You can run games and other apps by installing them through the Google Play Store.
Supports both landscape and portrait mode
Lets you spoof your GPS location
Can remap keyboard keys
Supports full screen mode
Huge setup file, over 850 MB
Can’t install apps by their APK file
Last updated in 2018
Since this is a full Android emulator, you can also reposition the apps on the home screen and install widgets, just like you can on a real Android device.
Android Studio
Android Studio might be what you’d call the “official” Android emulator, since it’s from Google. However, the core of the program is meant for app development, so while there is an emulator built-in, it’s not super easy to use.
Emulates the entire Android OS, not just one app
Always supports the newest Android operating system
You can emulate old Android OSs, too
Lets you build Android apps
No built-in app store
Setup can get confusing
This program doesn’t have an easy-to-use interface like the other emulators in this list, so it isn’t the greatest if you just want to run some Android apps on your computer. However, if you plan to create your own apps, and you want an easy way to test them throughout the creation process, then this might be all you need.
Genymotion
Another free Android emulator for Windows is Genymotion. It’s a lot like Android Studio’s emulator in that it emulates the entire OS, except that this one doesn’t install all the other developer tools.
Supports lots of Android versions
Easier to use than Android Studio
Emulates the whole OS
Lets you set custom hardware configurations
Play Store isn’t included
Lengthy setup procedure
GPS is unavailable for free users
This emulator can run modern versions of Android (through v10), not just old ones like some of the competition. The way it works is you install virtual devices by selecting the Android version you want and the device model that should run that version of Android.
For example, you might select Android 10 and Google Pixel to emulate that phone and OS on your computer. You can also make a custom phone or tablet by specifying the screen resolution. The processor, memory size, and network mode are customizable as well.
You can use Genymotion for free only if it’s for personal use (otherwise, there are three paid editions). To get started, make a user account, activate it through the link they send to your email, and then download the software.
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