Microsoft last month released Windows 11 operating system, bringing new features such as the ability to run Android apps, a new boot screen, and startup sound, and a controversial centered start menu and new widgets feature.
While Microsoft has made Windows 11 upgrade free, the system requirements for the new OS upgrade means millions of PC out there won't be able to run the new OS. This also means PC users who really needed to upgrade to Windows 11 just to run Android apps won't be able to do that.
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Well, if you happen to be on Windows 10 then you in luck because i will be showing you how to run Android apps on your computer using the Your Phone app Microsoft launched last year. With this feature, you will be able to pin your favorite Android mobile apps to the Taskbar or Start menu on your PC for quick access.
Also, any Android app you launch will open in a separate window from the Your Phone app, allowing you to use them the same way you would do on your Android phone...even if Your Phone app isn't open.
Requirements To Run Android Apps On Windows 10
- Ensure that both your Android phone and Windows PC are connected to the same network, be it on Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Your Android phone should be running on Android 9.0 or greater. The model doesn't matter. However, Microsoft is offering native support for a vast list of Samsung devices, including all the Galaxy Fold series, Galaxy XCover Pro, Galaxy A series, and many others. Click here to find the full list.
- Your PC must be on Windows 10 OS and build not older than 2020. To update your Windows 10 OS, go to Settings > Updates & Security > Check for updates.
- Download and install the latest version of Your Phone app on your Windows 10 system via Microsoft Store.
- Launch the Your Phone app on your PC and sign in to your Microsoft account
- Swipe down the notification bar and tap the Link to Windows option
- Next, you will have to sign in to your Microsoft account using the same login details you used earlier on your Windows 10 PC.
- After that, click on Allow for all the permissions prompted on your Samsung phone.
If it gets linked up successfully, you should see your Windows PC's name under the Link to Windows option.
For Other Android Smartphones:
- Launch the Your Phone app on your PC and sign in to your Microsoft account
- Select Android from the options and click Continue
- Download the Your Phone Companion app from the Google Play Store, install and then launch it
- Tap on "Is there a QR code on your PC?" option, and then scan the QR code shown in the Your Phone app on your PC
- Next, click Continue, and Allow all the required permissions for the Your Phone Companion app to work
- By now, there should be some on-screen instructions on how to link your Android phone to your Windows 10 PC
- From the Your Phone app on your PC, select the Apps option from the sidebar and you will be able to see all the apps installed on your Android device.
- Next, choose the app that you want to use from the list of apps
- Launch it and then use it like the way you use them on your phone.
Note that while many apps will work with your mouse and keyboard, some won't work. Microsoft has some guides to put users through when operating the apps with a mouse.
Single-click: This will behave the same as any single touch/tap interaction.
Right-click: Do this anywhere on your screen to navigate to the previous page
Click and hold: This is the same as Tap/hold interaction
Click and hold and drag: This will select content
Mouse Scroll: This will move between pages vertically or horizontally