Are you of the notion that you can’t run Android apps on Windows? If yes, the good news is you can. No, we aren’t talking about any emulators or third-party software, you can now run Android apps using Windows Subsystem for Android which is also known as WSA. The WSA consists of Linux kernels and the Android operating system, and since this technology is complex, you may run into issues. For instance, many users have reported that the Android apps they download were not working on Windows.
If Android apps are not working on your Windows PC, worry not, here are ways you can fix the issue. But, before we dive into the fixes let’s first have a look at some reasons why the issue at hand may occur –
- Windows Subsystem for Android is outdated.
- The app you want to install is not compatible with your PC.
- There is a software bug.
- Presence of malware.
- You have sideloaded an Android app from sources such as APK Pure or APK Mirror which is not compatible with your PC.
What To Do If Android Apps Are Not Working On Windows 11/10?
1. Restart Windows Subsystem for Android
If Android apps are not working on your Windows 11 PC, one of the first things you can do is restart Windows Subsystem for Android. This step will help in dealing with basic issues that are interfering with either the Android app or WSA per se in general. To do that –
- In the Windows search bar, type Windows Subsystem and click on Open from the right-hand side.
- In the Window that opens, locate Turn off Windows Subsystem for Android and click on Turn off.
- Launch an Android app on your computer to relaunch Windows Subsystem for Android.
- Additionally, you can even restart your computer.
Once you reboot your computer, check if now you are able to launch Android apps on your Windows PC.
2. Update Both Windows and Windows Subsystem for Android
Before updating Windows Subsystem for Android, consider fetching any Windows updates.
To run Android apps on your Windows PC, it is important that you have the latest version of WSA. By the way of these updates, Microsoft removes bugs and even rolls out performance updates as well. To open Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) –
- Open Microsoft Store by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
- When the Microsoft Store opens, click on Library from the bottom left-hand side.
- From the list of apps waiting to be updated, locate Windows Subsystem for Android.
- Click on Update next to it.
- Restart your PC and then check if Android apps are working on your Windows 11 PC or not.
3. Set WSA Resource Settings To Continuous
Another solution that may work out for you in case Android apps are not working on your Windows PC is to set WSA resources to continuous. Here are the steps for the same –
- Open Windows Search by pressing Windows + S
- Type in Windows Subsystem for Android and click on Open
- When the WSA launches, head to System.
- Locate the Subsystem resources and set it to Continuous
4. Ensure That Control Flow Guard Is Enabled
Another important setting that you need to enable for the proper functioning of the Windows Subsystem for Android is the Control Flow Guard. To enable it follow these steps –
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I
- Click on Privacy & Security from the left-hand side and select Windows Security.
- Click on Apps & browser control and click on Exploit protection settings
- Set the Control flow guard to Use default (on).
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Subsystem for Android
Even if after all the above fixes, you are unable to make Android apps work on your Windows PC, chances are that Windows Subsystem for Android wasn’t properly installed on your computer. You can try uninstalling it and then reinstalling it. To do that –
1. Open the Windows terminal by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
2. Enter the below-mentioned command and hit Enter.
winget uninstall “Windows Subsystem for AndroidTM”
3. Once the process completes, type in the command mentioned below and again press Enter.
winget search “Windows Subsystem for AndroidTM”
Now, again try opening the Android app of your choice and see if it is working now or not.
Are Android Apps Working On Your Windows PC?
We hope they are because enjoying Android apps from Windows PC is a different and fun experience altogether. And, if this post has helped you out, don’t forget to share it with a friend who might be in the same situation. For more such content, keep reading WeTheGeek. You can also connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Flipboard, and Instagram.