Install Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10/11

Installing the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10 and 11 opens the door to running Android apps natively on your PC. This tutorial will guide you through the installation process, ensuring you meet all requirements and avoid common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

• Ensure your Windows system meets the necessary software and hardware requirements before installing WSA.
• You must uninstall any official versions of WSA before using the custom build from GitHub.
• Follow each step carefully to successfully run Android apps like VLC and Google Play on your PC.

System Requirements and Preparations

Before diving into the installation, it’s crucial to prepare your system. Here are the key requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 with the latest updates.
• Hardware Requirements: Make sure your system meets the required RAM, CPU, and graphics card specifications. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended, and the system should be on an NTFS partition.
• Graphics Note: Intel HD and Nvidia graphics users may have specific setup requirements.
• Virtualization: Ensure that virtualization is enabled in your computer’s BIOS. Additionally, the Virtual Machine Platform feature must be activated within Windows.

For a detailed guide on enabling virtualization, refer to this guide on enabling virtualization on Windows 10 and 11.

Steps to Install Windows Subsystem for Android

Step 1: Download the Windows Subsystem for Android

1. Head to the GitHub page by MustardChef to download the WSA build.
2. Scroll through the information on the page to familiarize yourself with the installation process and any potential issues.
3. Ensure that your system meets all the listed requirements before proceeding.

Step 2: Uninstall Official WSA

If you have an official version of the Windows Subsystem for Android installed, you need to uninstall it completely before proceeding. The custom build won’t work unless the official version is removed.

Step 3: Select Your Build

1. Go to the downloads section on the GitHub page.
2. Choose the appropriate build for your system. There are versions with Google apps and Amazon apps included, as well as versions without them.
3. Download your preferred build.

Step 4: Extract and Move Files

1. Once the download is complete (approximately 1GB in size), locate the downloaded ZIP file in your downloads folder.
2. Extract the contents using 7zip or another file extraction tool. If you don’t have one, download 7Zip for free.
3. Rename the extracted folder to “WSA” and move it to your C drive for easier access.

Step 5: Run the Installation Script

1. Open the WSA folder and locate the run.bat file. This is a Windows batch file.
2. Right-click the run.bat file and select Run as administrator to start the installation process.

Step 6: Complete Installation and Sign In

1. During installation, you’ll be prompted to enable optional diagnostic data. You can leave this box unchecked and continue.
2. Once the installation is complete, Google Play will launch, asking you to sign in.
3. Sign in with your Google credentials to complete the setup.

Testing Your Installation

Once WSA is successfully installed, you can start installing and running Android apps. To test the setup:

1. Open Google Play and search for a simple app like VLC.
2. Install VLC to confirm that WSA is working correctly.
3. Launch VLC, or any other app, and enjoy the full Android experience on your Windows system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during the installation, revisit the GitHub page’s troubleshooting sections. There are detailed explanations of common errors and solutions that can help you resolve any issues you might face.

Conclusion

Installing the Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 10 and 11 allows you to run Android apps directly on your PC. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth installation process and enjoy the benefits of Android on your Windows device.

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FAQs

1. Can I install the Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 10?

Yes, you can install WSA on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 as long as your system meets the necessary requirements.

2. What happens if I don’t uninstall the official WSA version before installing this one?

If the official version of WSA is still installed, the custom version will not work. You must uninstall the official WSA first.

3. What should I do if my PC doesn’t support virtualization?

Unfortunately, WSA requires virtualization to be enabled in your BIOS settings. If your PC doesn’t support it, you won’t be able to run WSA.

4. Why do I need to move the WSA folder to the C drive?

Moving the folder to the C drive ensures easier access and helps prevent any issues related to file paths during the installation.

5. Can I install apps from both Google Play and the Amazon Appstore with this build?

Yes, depending on the build you choose, you can have access to both Google Play and the Amazon Appstore.