How to use WSATools to sideload Android apps outside Amazon Appstore on Windows 11

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

The WSATools makes it easy to sideload Android apps on Windows 11, and here's how to use it.

WSATools sideload Android apps
WSATools sideload Android apps (Image credit: Future)

Although the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) allows you to sideload virtually any Android app on Windows 11, this is still a tedious process because you have to manually install the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tools from Google, and you have to use different commands to install an application. However, there's an easier way to install apps outside the Amazon AppStore.

If you have to install a particular Android app (such as the new Threads from Meta), you can use the WSATools, a third-party tool that simplifies the sideload process by removing all the extra steps with a simple interface to install any Android app using an APK file.

This guide will walk you through the steps to use the WSATools to sideload virtually any Android apps on Windows 11.

How to sideload Android APK apps on Windows 11

To install Android apps outside the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open WSATools page.
  2. Click the "Get in Store app" button.
  3. Click the Install button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Open button.
  2. Open WSA.
  3. Click on Advanced settings.
  4. Turn on the Developer mode toggles switch.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. In the "WSATools," click the "Install an APK" button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Install button to add the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool (if applicable).

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Select Folder button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Choose any folder to install the ADB tool.
  2. Click the "Install ADB here" button.
  3. Select the APK file to sideload the Android app (such as Meta's Threads, Apple Music, etc.).
  4. Click the Load APK button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Click the Install button.

(Image credit: Future)
  1. Check the "Always allow from this computer" option (if applicable).
  2. Click the Allow button.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, the tool will spin up the Windows Subsystem for Android and install the Android app on Windows 11. After the installation, the app will be available from the Start menu.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.