The web is not bad and all, but depending on your workflow, keeping specific windows for dedicated tasks is the way to go. With Windows 11, Microsoft made it possible to bring all of your favorite apps to your PC — as long as they're on the Amazon Appstore, that is. With such a limited selection to cull from, many Windows users might write off the feature altogether. Thankfully, we're talking about Android apps here, so sideloading is absolutely an option.

While you can absolutely use ADB on Windows 11 to install whatever APK file, it's not exactly the most intuitive process for many users. If you lot're looking to effort out some of your favorite mobile apps on desktop, y'all don't need to rely on command lines or Amazon's lineup of software. Instead, all you need is a elementary GUI known as WSA PacMan — short for Package Manager — to turn any APK into a double-click install. Here'due south how information technology works.

amazon-app-store-windows-1

Grab the Amazon Appstore

Considering WSA PacMan is but an interface designed to streamline sideloading, yous'll still need to go the bones of Android support up and running on Windows 11. You'll take to outset by installing the Amazon Appstore if you don't already accept it, since information technology includes Windows Subsystem for Android.

  1. Open up the Microsoft Store on your computer.
  2. Search for "Amazon Appstore" using the search bar at the top of the page.
  3. Click the "Become" option to install the app on your estimator.

Y'all don't need to log into the Amazon Appstore — installing information technology is enough to add WSA to your device.

amazon-app-store-login

Unfortunately, the Appstore is only available in the US right at present, and so non-The states readers volition accept to leap through a couple of hoops to get WSA up and running. It's a complicated process, only the fine folks at XDA Developers have an splendid guide on how to get it on any calculator — no Amazon Appstore required.

Go WSA PacMan up and running

Okay, with Windows Subsystem for Android ready to go on your PC, we're one pace closer to sideloading paradise. Here'south what you lot'll need to exercise next.

  1. Using the Start carte du jour, locate and open Windows Subsystem for Android.
    windows-subsystem
  2. Make sure Developer mode is enabled. Since all sideloading is done through ADB commands — even if you're running a tertiary-party GUI — this is a necessary pace.
    windows-subsystem-settings
  3. Click "Manage programmer settings," then look for USB debugging and toggle it on. This screen should look familiar to Android users — it'south the same card you'll find in any AOSP build.
    windows-subsystem-dev-settings
  4. Meanwhile, if yous haven't already, download WSA PacMan from GitHub by selecting the latest version nether "Releases." There's too a portable version if you'd rather not use a .exe file.
  5. Follow through with the installation process to go WSA PacMan running on your computer, and so open the app from the Start card.
pacman-connected

If everything is ready to go, y'all'll come across a "Connected" notification at the elevation of the app.

Installing APKs on Windows 11 with WSA PacMan

From here, you tin can close out of Windows Subsystem for Android and WSA PacMan, as they don't need to be open to install APKs on your figurer. After all, you've done the difficult work — now all yous need is an app to install.

tiktok-install

Locate the APK file on your device, or catch one from a site similar APK Mirror, and double-click on it like any other .exe file on Windows. WSA PacMan takes intendance of the rest, prompting a message similar to what yous would see on Android. You'll as well go the choice to create a desktop shortcut for your app in one case installed.

From hither, the app will function simply like any other software on your reckoner. It'southward attainable from the Start menu, tin exist pinned to your taskbar, and fifty-fifty uninstalled with a uncomplicated correct-click. Just keep in mind that not every app is guaranteed to piece of work here. Streaming apps similar Netflix, for case, volition likely come across DRM-related bug, equally Windows 11 lacks Winevine support at the moment.

Whether Android apps on Windows xi grab on is all the same an open question, but the option not to rely on the Amazon Appstore certainly makes its futurity a trivial brighter. Thankfully, once WSA PacMan is set, installing near any of your favorite mobile apps or games is a breeze.

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About The Author

Will Sattelberg (939 Articles Published)

Will has been an Android enthusiast since he got his first smartphone in 2022. He loves watching movies, has a never-ending excess of video games, and produces podcasts in his spare time. He lives in Buffalo, NY and is willing to requite you chicken wing recommendations at any time. Just enquire.

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