Easily install Android app APKs onto Windows 11 with this free tool

By Sean Endicott
published

A free tool makes it much easier to install Android apps from outside the Amazon Appstore onto Windows 11.

Wsatools Sideload Android
Wsatools Sideload Android (Image credit: Simone Franco)

What you need to know

  • A free app called WSATools allows you to easily install Android APKs onto Windows 11.
  • Sideloading APKs onto Windows 11 is much more complicated without the tool.
  • WSATools doesn't require a person to use command line and ADB to sideload apps onto Windows 11.

Microsoft is currently testing Android app support on Windows 11. While the functionality will greatly expand the number of apps available on Windows 11, only Android apps from the Amazon Appstore will appear within the Microsoft Store (at least for now). You can, however, sideload Android apps onto Windows 11. This lets you install many more apps, but the process to do so is complicated. A new tool called WSATools simplifies the process of installing APKs onto Windows 11.

WSATools creates a point and click interface for sideloading apps. People don't have to use command line and ADB to install APKs. This lowers the bar for entry when it comes to sideloading apps from outside the Amazon Appstore. WSATools is an unofficial tool and is in its early stages. The version listed in the Microsoft Store is actually an older version that's not quite ready, according to its developer Simone Franco.

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Well-known leaker WalkingCat shared the link to WSATools. Franco clarified that a new version with a finalized design is on the way.

Even when sideloading Android apps onto Windows 11, there are limitations. Apps that require the Google Play Store will not function without some extra work. A developer managed to install the Google Play Store onto Windows 11, but the process is quite complex.

Wsa Tools Icon

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WSATools


This tool allows you to sideload Android apps onto Windows 11 without having to know how to use command line or ADB.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com (opens in new tab).

6 Comments
  • With the main source of APK being Google Play store, and with the work arounds to get the Google Play store on Windows 11... It's just a shame Google announced it is moving away from APKs to Android Play Bundles. Will these work with Windows 11 in the future, or is part of Google's long term plan to get Windows users hooked on using poorly functional mobile apps on their PC, then then pull the plug on the Play Store APKs for the PC side of things.
    Only time will tell, but from the historic way Google has treated Microsoft platform users accessing the Google services, it's not a good outlook. Google is not a platform I want to put trust into on the PC when the core product using Google services is Windows itself.
    Personally, I'll be staying away from anything Google brings or supports (even unofficially), and will sideload the APK as needed.
  • I think the whole idea is to let the Amazon Store grow bigger so it can compete with the Playstore. The Google apps that you do need you could always run through yourphone.
  • "With the main source of APK being Google Play store" It's not the only source. "It's just a shame Google announced it is moving away from APKs to Android Play Bundles" It's not a new thing. Windows Central covered it and seemed to think it was fine. "or is part of Google's long term plan to get Windows users hooked on using poorly functional mobile apps on their PC" What no. Microsoft isn't even working with Google but Amazon. Other than Chrome, Google has never supported Windows.
  • @Sagum sounds like you need to check out Sailfish X if you haven't already.
  • I think you'll still be able to side load the android play bundles the same way, I forget where I read that.
  • The System Requirements page says it works with Windows 10 and higher. Bet it means the app loads.