If everything came so easy and thought out, then it would be so easy to plug the phone to a computer, take programs from either device and go on with your day. Unfortunately, phones, tablets, and desktop or laptop computers use different operating systems. The Android operating system uses a different app format compared to the software you use on your PC.
You cannot use software for the former on the latter. There is a workaround, and it is easy once you figure it out because all you will need are the devices you already have.
First, Understand the Difference
The PC has its operating system installed in drive C in most cases. You have the program files folder, the Windows folder, and other system specific folders. You probably do not have the right to access and manipulate these folders without administrator user privileges.
On the other hand, you want your android apps to work on the PC by utilizing its features, including the screen, the keyboard, and the cursor. The apps design was for touch-based devices like phones and tablets.
Use an Android Emulator
The next thing is to get a PC software that emulates or mimics the Android environment. The role of the emulator is to make Android apps on your PC think they are in an Android device. The emulator needs to have enough features to let you manipulate the apps the same way you would when you are working on a device. Most emulators are available for free, and you might need to pay to get their advanced features working on your PC.
Find a Site to Download APK Files
Android uses the .apk file names for its app installation files. You need these files to use them with your emulator. Unlike the Android device where you will need the app store or an equivalent app, you can have third-party download managers for your apps or install them directly. You will need to permit installation from unidentified sources in your emulator for this step to work.
Open the apk file with the emulator and follow the steps that come on your screen. After that, the app will install in the PC and show inside the emulator. Pick an internet site that offers trusted and up-to-date apk files because you want to limit external software threats such as viruses and malware.
Know Where to Get Your Installed Apps
Your apps are not going to be on the start menu like the traditional PC software. Instead, they will appear inside the emulator. When you launch your android mimicking software on the PC, you will see apps appearing as they would if you install them in an Android device. You can launch them by double-clicking with your cursor, and you can make any operation possible using your mouse.
Make Changes to Your Virtual System for Improvements
You should ensure that your emulator is using all the power available in your PC. You might need to enable the virtualization engine in your BIOS if the PC’s CPU has it because that improves the graphics performance of the android apps in the PC.
