Home › How To › How to Open APK Files on Windows PC (4 Easy Ways)
by Gardy Philogene
APK files are usually opened on Android devices. It is also possible to open (or sideload) them on your Windows PC.
Opening an app on your PC can give you a better experience with higher frame rates, a better screen view, or simply save you storage space on your phone.
In this guide, we will discuss how to open APK files on your PC. Stay with Us
4 Ways to Open APK Files on a Windows PC
We have listed below four ways you can go about opening an APK file on your PC.
- Use the Bluestacks Emulator
- Use Android Studio
- Use a Chromebook
- Use ARC Welder on Chrome
1. Use the Bluestacks Emulator
Bluestacks is an Android emulator that lets you run Android apps on your Windows PC. It is easy to use and free.
With the Bluestacks app, you can download several Android Apps and run them simultaneously.
All you need to do is download BlueStacks and sign into your Google Play Store account on the app.
If you would like to download the game or app on your device locally for a full Android simulation, download Bluestacks 5.
However, if your PC is on the lower end, you can download Bluestacks 10 and play the games on the cloud.
In this guide, we will be downloading Bluestacks 10. Follow the steps below to run an Android app on your PC
- Download the Bluestacks application from the Bluestacks website.
- Click on Download Bluestacks 10.
- Wait for it to download, then run the application on your computer.
- To run an application, open the downloaded file and follow the steps until it’s installed. Make sure you are connected to the internet while installing the app.
- Browse or search for the Android app you want to download and click on Install in App Player.
- Wait for the app to install.
- The app will open in a new tab, and you can switch tabs between installed apps.
2. Use Android Studio
Android Studio is an Android Studio created by Google. Developers more commonly use it for mobile development. It can also be used to preview apps on different devices.
Follow the steps below to open APK files on Android Studio.
- Open Android Studio and click on the three-dot button to load the menu.
- Click on Profile or Debug APK.
- Select the APK file to debug and click OK.
3. Use a Chromebook
If you have a Chromebook laptop, it would be quite easy for you to run Android apps and APK files. Only Chromebooks released in 2018 or later would be able to run apps.
To run APK files on your device, follow the steps below.
- Log into your Chromebook.
- Click on Time at the bottom right.
- Go to Settings and go to the Google Play Store section.
- Turn on Install apps and games from Google Play on your Chromebook. You have now enabled Google Play Store on your device. (If you do not have this option, your Chromebook cannot run Android apps.
- Now, open the Google Play Store app.
- Browse or search for your desired app.
- Click Install.
You can now begin to use the Android App on your Chromebook.
4. Use ARC Welder on Chrome
You can run APK files on Chrome by using the ARC Welder extension on Chrome.
To use the ARC Welder, follow the steps below:
- Download the ARC Welder.
- Add it to your Chrome Extensions.
- Wait for the extension to download, then click Launch to start the application.
- Add your APK file to the emulator.
You should now be able to use your Android app. If you do not have an APK file downloaded, you can download them from safe and secure APK download sites straight to your PC and then open them in the ARC Welder.
Final Thoughts on Opening APK Files on Windows PC
Opening APK files on PC is achieved by using an emulator. However, you should be careful what APKs you download and what emulators you use.
You can use any solutions in the guide to install your APK files on your device.
- Use the Bluestacks Emulator
- Use Android Studio
- Use a Chromebook
- Use ARC Welder on Chrome
If you have other options that work, feel free to share them in the comments.
Gardy Philogene
Writer, Smart Home
For years technology has been a big part of Gardy's life. He's an Android guy with a secret love for Apple products. When not at work, you can usually catch him drawing with a pencil. He is a writer at Gotechtor covering how-tos, deals, and buying guides.
Gardy Philogene
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