A few weeks ago, the promised integration of Android to Windows 11 arrived, with a timid official selection of 50 Android apps available on the Amazon App Store, but potentially install any other Android application with its APK file. Of course, Windows doesn’t make it easy for you.
It is possible to install APK files in Windows 11 but as we have seen it is a bit complicated when it comes to dealing with ADB. An infinitely simpler way is with WSATools, with which the installation of an APK in Windows 11 is as easy as double clicking on the file.
The easiest way to install APK on Windows 11
When we tested the Android Subsystem for Windows 11, we noticed that installing additional apps using its APK was a complicated but rewarding process. Even more rewarding is getting the same result with virtually no effort. This is exactly what you can achieve with WSATools, a tool for facilitate the installation of Android applications under Windows 11, from its APK.
WSATools is available in the Microsoft Store, the Windows app store, and you can find it at this direct link. While Microsoft deleted the app from your store a few days ago finally is available again, at least for now.
Installing WSATools on Windows is as easy as clicking To have and wait for it to download and install. Then you can choose to open the application, although this is not strictly necessary as it integrates into Windows File Explorer.
With WSATools, you have two ways to install APK. The first is to open the app, pressing Select an APK and locate the file in your PC storage. The second is simply to do double click on an APK file
A curious detail of WSATools is that in the installation confirmation window it shows you the information about the app you are installing. The application name, icon, version, package name, and file size are displayed. If everything is correct, press To install.
In doing so, WSATools takes care of “contacting” the Windows Android subsystem and performing background operations, which it may take a long time
If it is a simple application and the Android subsystem is already started, the installation may take a few seconds. Of course, keep in mind that for now the whole system is somewhat unstable, so the installation may fail or never complete. The WSATools application itself recommends that, if it is not completed for a long time, close it and try again.
For the rest, there is not much to do but press Open application when installation is complete to open it, if desired. Android apps that install on Windows 11 are also available from the Start menu anyway.
We used WSATools to easily install MiXplorer, which works without any problems in Windows 11. Remember that Android integration in Windows 11 does not include Google services, so many apps that depend on it won’t work even if you install them from their APK.
