How to Install Android Apps on Windows 11 in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most exciting features of Windows 11 is its ability to run Android apps natively. Imagine using your favorite mobile apps—Instagram, WhatsApp, or even mobile games—directly on your laptop or desktop without third-party emulators like Bluestacks.

But here’s the catch: when Microsoft first introduced Android app support, it was limited to certain regions, mainly the U.S. That left many users in India scratching their heads. The good news? With a few tweaks, you can now install Android apps on Windows 11 in India too.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything step by step, from system requirements to enabling the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) and downloading apps safely.

Table of Contents

Why Run Android Apps on Windows 11?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand the “why.”

Better productivity – Use apps like Slack, Zoom, or Evernote without needing your phone.
Seamless entertainment – Play mobile games on a bigger screen with keyboard/mouse controls.
Convenience – No more switching devices constantly.
No need for emulators – Native support means smoother performance and fewer bugs.

System Requirements for Android Apps on Windows 11

Not all PCs can run Android apps. Here are the key requirements:

Windows 11 (Build 22000.526 or higher)
SSD storage (required for WSA)
At least 8GB RAM (16GB recommended)
Intel Core i3 8th Gen / AMD Ryzen 3000 / Snapdragon 8c or better
Virtualization enabled in BIOS (important)
Microsoft Store version 22110.1402.6.0 or higher

Step 1: Enable Virtualization on Your PC

Android apps run in a virtualized environment, so you’ll need to ensure virtualization is enabled.

Check Virtualization

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to Performance > CPU.
Look for Virtualization: Enabled.

If it’s disabled, you’ll need to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings and enable it.

Step 2: Update Windows 11 and Microsoft Store

Update Windows

Press Win + I → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Update Microsoft Store

Open Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates.

This ensures compatibility with WSA.

Step 3: Install Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA)

Now comes the fun part.

Open Microsoft Store.
Search for Windows Subsystem for Android™ with Amazon Appstore.
Click Install.

⚠️ Note: Sometimes the appstore isn’t directly available in India. In that case, you’ll need to change your region.

Step 4: Change Region to the United States (If Needed)

If you don’t see the Amazon Appstore, change your PC’s region.

Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
Under Country or region, select United States.
Restart your PC.

Now, the Amazon Appstore should be visible.

Step 5: Set Up Amazon Appstore

Once installed:

Open Amazon Appstore.
Sign in with your Amazon account (you may need a U.S.-based Amazon account).
Browse and install apps just like on a phone.

Step 6: Sideload Android Apps with APKs (Optional)

The Amazon Appstore is limited compared to Google Play. If you want more apps, you’ll need to sideload APKs.

Enable Developer Mode in WSA

Open Windows Subsystem for Android Settings.
Enable Developer mode.

Install ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

Download ADB from the official Android developer site.
Extract it to a folder.

Connect to WSA

Open WSA Settings → Check IP address.
In Command Prompt, type:

adb connect <IP_ADDRESS>

Install APKs

Place APK file in your ADB folder and run:

Now your APK will show up in the Windows 11 Start Menu.

Step 7: Run Android Apps Like Native Windows Programs

Once installed, Android apps appear in the Start menu just like normal Windows apps. You can:

Pin them to Taskbar
Resize windows
Use keyboard shortcuts
Snap them with other apps

It feels just like running a regular Windows program.

Alternative: Use Emulators (If WSA Isn’t Available)

If WSA doesn’t work for you, emulators are still an option.

Bluestacks – Best for gaming.
NoxPlayer – Lightweight and customizable.
LDPlayer – Great for performance.

They’re not as smooth as WSA but still get the job done.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. WSA Not Showing in Microsoft Store

Change region to the U.S.
Update Microsoft Store to the latest version.

2. Virtualization Error

Ensure virtualization is enabled in BIOS.
Some older CPUs don’t support WSA.

3. Apps Not Installing

Use ADB sideloading for unsupported apps.
Check APK compatibility (ARM vs x86).

Safety Tips When Installing Android Apps

Only download APKs from trusted sources (e.g., APKMirror).
Avoid shady websites that may include malware.
Keep Windows Security or antivirus enabled.
Regularly update WSA to patch security issues.

Advantages of Running Android Apps on Windows 11

Seamless workflow: Run Android productivity apps alongside Office and Teams.
Gaming: Play PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, or other mobile games on PC.
Unified experience: No need to juggle between devices.

Limitations You Should Know

No Google Play Store support (yet).
Some apps may not work without Google Play Services.
Performance may vary depending on your PC hardware.

Future of Android Apps on Windows 11

Microsoft is actively improving WSA. Future updates may include:

Wider app availability in Amazon Appstore.
Possible Google Play Store integration.
Improved gaming performance.

Conclusion

That’s it! Now you know how to install Android apps on Windows 11 in India—whether through the Amazon Appstore or by sideloading APKs. While the process might take a little tweaking (like changing regions or enabling virtualization), once set up, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Running Android apps natively on Windows bridges the gap between mobile and desktop computing, making your PC even more versatile.

FAQs

1. Is Google Play Store available on Windows 11 in India?
No, only the Amazon Appstore is officially supported. But you can sideload APKs.

2. Do I need a U.S. Amazon account to use the Amazon Appstore?
Yes, for now. You can create one for free.

3. Can I install WhatsApp or Instagram on Windows 11?
Yes, by sideloading APKs since they’re not always in the Amazon Appstore.

4. Will Android apps slow down my PC?
Not if your PC meets the system requirements. WSA is lightweight.

5. Is it safe to sideload APKs on Windows 11?
Yes, if you use trusted sources like APKMirror. Always avoid pirated or modified APKs.