Microsoft, however, is working with Android app developers to bring more apps on board. But since it’s technically Android, you can sideload any app you want. Let us take a look at it.
Pre-Requisites
Setting up the Platform-Tools
One cannot sideload any third-party app on Windows 11 without platform tools. So let us have a look at how to download and set up Platform tools on Windows 11.
Sideload Android apps on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt
Launch the start menu and search for Windows Subsystem for Android. Make sure the file format is .apk, as you won’t be able to sideload anything in another file format. This process is time-consuming, and I would like something simpler to sideload multiple APKs. Is there a way to do this? Well, there is an excellent alternative to do just that. Also, all the apps in the Aurora Store are free to install. Also, once you have Aurora installed as a sideload, you can install apps directly on Windows 11 without having to go through the lengthy process of CMD, which many might find cumbersome.
Steps to use Aurora store
Download Aurora
How to uninstall a sideloaded Android app on Windows 11
As you can see, sideloading apps on Windows 11 with Command Prompt is relatively easy, and you can sideload literally any app with simple ADB commands. You can sideload mobile games, replace desktop apps like iTunes with Apple Music (finally!), and much more.
1. Can I sideload apps only on Windows Insider Preview?
Since Microsoft is still testing the Android subsystem in the Windows 11 beta channel, you can currently only sideload apps if you are using the Insider preview version. However, you can sideload the Android subsystem on Windows 11 Stable (guide coming soon) and your favorite apps without having to switch to the beta channel.
2. What are the minimum requirements for the Windows subsystem for Android?
The minimum requirements for subsystem are as follows.
Windows 11 22000 or higher Minimum 8GB RAM, 16GB recommended CPU should support Windows Subsystem
As of writing this guide, it’s available only for Windows Insiders (beta channel) for now.
3. Are all Android apps compatible with Windows 11?
Unfortunately, no. Since Windows 11 does not have Google services, some apps might not work as intended because they require Google services. Also, other apps might have compatibility/crash issues because they are not fully optimized for Windows 11. However, we expect support to improve over time.
4. Should I disable the developer settings option after sideloading the app?
Well, there is no harm in leaving the developer settings enabled. But you can disable it if you want to, and it will not affect the Android app you just sideloaded.
