By Dervish / Last update December 10, 2024

The Windows 11 preview version is open to the Windows subsystem for Android. You don't need a third-party emulator to run Android apps. But currently it can only be downloaded from the Amazon App store, because other stores are not currently supported.

The problem is that Amazon App is not as big as the Google Play Store, and only a limited number of Android apps can be downloaded on Windows 11. However, you can install Android applications using command-line tools.

If you think it is difficult to enter the command line, then we can also try a simpler method. You need to use the "WSA PacMan" software, which can view and feedback on Github, allowing you to install Android apps without opening the command prompt and settings.

This is a third-party software, but it's free, and specifically builds Android's Windows subsystem. Its main function is to act as a GUI, which allows it to run ADB commands in the background to install Android programs. It relies on the default port, so you don't need to change the apps.

WSA PacMan is a GUI for executing ADB commands. It relies on the original WSA included in the operating system, so you need to set up WSA.

First, you need a device that runs Windows 11 and supports the Android subsystem for Linux. Second, make sure you have installed or enabled the subsystem for Android and the debugging option is turned on. Otherwise, the package manager will not be able to install the application on your device.

How to install Android applications using GUI?

1. Download WSA PacMan on the Github release page.

2. PackMan will automatically connect to WSA because it uses the default port 58526 for debugging.

3. WSA PacMan has a simple interface, you only need to find the APK file you want to run.

If you select the APK file in the correct way, you will see an installation wizard similar to the operating system.

You can open installed applications like any other Windows application. The applications installed by the package manager will be displayed in your "Start" menu and can be pinned to the taskbar.