How to Run Android Apps on a PC or Chromebook in 2026 (Every Working Method)
The working ways to use Android apps on a computer now that Windows Subsystem for Android is gone: Chromebooks, Google Play Games, emulators, phone mirroring and Phone Link.
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- Chromebook: install apps straight from Google Play. Easiest by far.
- Windows, for games: Google Play Games for PC.
- Windows or Mac, any app: an emulator such as BlueStacks, or Android Studio's emulator for developers.
- Use the apps already on your phone: screen mirroring with scrcpy or Windows Phone Link (selected phones).
A quick history
Years ago Google tested a Chrome tool called ARC Welder that ran some Android apps inside the Chrome browser; it was discontinued. Microsoft later shipped the Windows Subsystem for Android with the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11, but ended support for it in March 2025. So the options below are what works now.
Method 1: Chromebooks (built in)
Most Chromebooks made since 2019 run Android apps natively. Open the Play Store from the launcher, sign in, and install apps as on a phone. Many apps resize to windows and work with keyboard and mouse.
Method 2: Google Play Games for PC
Google's own Windows app runs a growing catalogue of Android games on Windows PCs, with keyboard and mouse controls and progress synced to your Google account. It needs a reasonably modern PC with hardware virtualisation turned on. It only offers games Google has approved for PC, not every app.
Method 3: Emulators (any app)
- BlueStacks: the best-known free Android emulator for Windows and Mac, aimed at games, supported by ads and optional paid features.
- Android Studio Emulator: Google's official developer emulator. Free, accurate and best for testing apps, though heavier to set up.
Emulators need virtualisation enabled in your PC's firmware (often called Intel VT-x or AMD-V/SVM) and work best with 8 GB of RAM or more. Some banking and streaming apps refuse to run on emulators for security reasons.
Method 4: Mirror your phone
If the app is on your phone already, mirroring is often the best solution:
- scrcpy: free, open-source, very fast mirroring and control over USB or Wi-Fi for Windows, Mac and Linux. Requires turning on USB debugging.
- Windows Phone Link: on supported Android phones (notably Samsung and HONOR models), lets you open phone apps in windows on your PC.
Which should you choose?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Play mobile games on a big screen | Google Play Games for PC, then BlueStacks |
| Use a messaging or banking app from your phone | Phone Link or scrcpy (the app stays on your phone) |
| Test an app you are building | Android Studio Emulator |
| Run lots of Android apps every day | A Chromebook |
Quick answers
Can I run Android apps in the Chrome browser?
Not any more on Windows or Mac; the old ARC Welder tool was discontinued. Chromebooks run them through ChromeOS itself.
Is the Amazon Appstore still on Windows 11?
No. Microsoft ended the Windows Subsystem for Android in March 2025, which removed it.
Are Android emulators safe?
Reputable ones from official sites are. The risk comes from unofficial APK files and cracked apps.