How to install Android on PC – 4 Different Options
We would not be very far off if we state that android is probably the most popular OS for mobile phones worldwide. It has diverse and attractive features which make it appealing to most users.
Another reason as to why this OS is quite popular is because many mobile phones which use it are quite affordable depending on your budget.
Many have wondered whether it is possible to enjoy the android features on a Windows device. It would be quite awesome if you could android apps on tablets and laptops which use windows OS. The experience would be better if the windows devices were touch enabled.
A Quick Fact
Intel had at some point planned to introduce Dual OS PCs, which would have meant having both windows and android on the same PC. However, Google and Microsoft were not particularly comfortable with the idea and eventually the plan was quashed.
Well, we are pleased to inform you that all is not lost. You can run android apps as well as OS on your PC as it is.
If you ever want to run your androids apps or OS on your PCs, here are some simple ways you can do it.
1. Use of Bluestacks
This app was developed in 2011 and you will find it to be the simplest method of running android apps on your PC. It runs the apps by integrating the apps within a window on the PC, such that they run just like any other program.
The app will also enable you to download and install apps from Google Playstore and Amazon store. A major advantage of using Bluestacks is the speed with which it operates and the app installation feature mentioned above.
Another plus is the impressive performance recorded by the apps run from this program, keeping in mind that you will use very little effort in running the apps.
The app also has a friendly UI and you can integrate it with windows to transfer files.
A major downside with Bluestacks is that the android version used has no configuration settings; therefore you may find it a bit difficult to use it to develop on.
Also Read: How to Remove Apps from Android
2. Use of Android-x86
This was a community project whose main objective was to ensure that the android app can be accessed by any person with a PC who wished to do so. The aim was to give a new lease of life to the old netbooks.
It is necessary that you first download and install VirtualBox .Open it and in the upper left hand corner, select “New”.
Click on Linux in the first dropbox and “Oracle-64bit” in the second. Select your preferred options and complete loading the “.iso “ by right clicking on VM and then choosing settings.
Navigate to the storage tab and click on the green sign. Locate the “.iso”, click on it and finally press okay.
To launch the VM, click start. From the screen that will be displayed, select the option of “install android.” The following screen will ask for your preferred location of installation. You then press enter.
Format the chosen drive and press “Enter”. Ignore the GRUB install options chose the format of your system, whether as read or write.
Create your data.img and decide on the size. Finally press enter to finish with the installation of your new OS.
Advantages of Android-x86
You are unlikely to experience any bugs during its use.You will get instant access to Google Play services.
Disadvantage
Any time you shut down the PC, you will have to reinstall the program all over again.
3. Use of Android Emulator
With this program, you get full access to the Android OS from your PC. You will especially benefit from its features if you are a developer testing your android apps.
You will first have to download Google’s Android SDK from the playstore. After installing it, you open the SDK manager.
You will select Tools followed by Manage AVDs. You then click the new button and create an AVD (Android Virtual Device). Choose your preferred configurations and then click the start button. By doing this, you will have launched the program.
The major downside of the Google Android Emulator is that it is really slow.
4. Use of Remix OS
This program offers the complete desktop experience. The OS has a task bar and the apps will have a windows support. These two features boost multitasking, which is the most unique feature of this program.
In using this program, you are recommended to use a bootable USB 3.0 drive, so as to make your work less complicated. The drive should have at least 8GB storage space.
During The Setup
During set up, if you would want to save your data in between sessions, you choose “Resident mode”. The other option is “Guest mode”.
You can also install Google Playstore if you wish to enjoy the Google play services. This means that you will now be able to download and install the apps from the store.
You can install this program either through the use of USB or by VirtualBox. The major downside to this program is that it experiences numerous crashes over time.
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Some More Details
You should have the final say on which method top use if you want to run Android apps on your PC. You should note that each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you are observant, you will likely notice that a flaw in one method is compensated for in the next option. For instance, according to numerous reviews online, Bluestacks is the most stable and easiest option. Even the biggest technological novice in town would have a smooth ride while using this method.
However, it is not configurable like in terms of screen size or resolution. You can find this feature in the Android emulator, which like other similar virtual machines allow you to configure your preferences.
Finally!
Ensure that you use the method which will fully satisfy your needs and exercise patience since there is no perfection in the world of technology.
