How to Install Google Play on Windows 11
How to Install Google Play on Windows 11. One of Windows 11’s most notable new features is the ability to run Android applications natively. This was previously only conceivable with third-party software, and completely integrating phone apps into the Windows desktop had never been possible.
There are, however, two major limitations to be aware of. Android apps on Windows 11 require an SSD and at least 8GB of RAM, despite the fact that older HDDs and 4GB of RAM are supported. Microsoft even suggests 16GB for the optimum experience, which most users will not have.
Even if your smartphone can run Android apps properly, you may be disappointed with the experience. That’s because it uses the Amazon Appstore, which has a far smaller selection of apps than the Google Play Store. But what if you could have the best of both worlds?
Despite the fact that it is not officially supported, there is a way to install the Play Store and use its apps. The approach has changed a few times since Windows 11 was released, but we tried it and can confirm that this version works. It’s also malware-free, which a previous version couldn’t claim.
How to Install Google Play on Windows 11:
Before proceeding, it should be noted that this technique only works with x86, 64-bit, or ARM-based devices. If you have 32-bit hardware, go to Settings > System > About and check ‘System type’ if you’re not sure.
You should also ensure that virtualization is enabled. Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Windows Features > Turn Windows features on or off. Tick the boxes next to ‘Virtual Machine Platform’ and ‘Windows Subsystem for Linux,’ then click ‘OK’ to confirm. It will take some time to locate the essential files, after which you will need to restart your device.
You must remove the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) if you have already installed it. Search for it in Settings > Apps > Apps & features. It is not installed if nothing displays. Once that’s completed, you’re ready to go:
Read more: How to Measure Wi-Fi Speed tricks in 2023
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Developers.
2. Click the toggle under ‘Developer Mode’ to enable it, then click ‘Yes’ to confirm.
3. On x64 devices, download the 859Mb file WSA-GApps-pico 2204.40000.20.0 x64 Release-Nightly.zip. Instead, for ARM-based devices, use this link: WSA-GApps-pico 2204.40000.20.0 arm64 Release-Nightly
4. Once finished, navigate to the Downloads folder in File Explorer and locate the file. Choose it and then ‘Extract all’ – this will take a few seconds.
5. To copy, select the retrieved file and press Ctrl + C.
Ctrl + V to paste it, then open the C: disk from the left pane.
6. The folder should show in the list underneath ‘Windows.’
7. To provide administrator authority, click ‘Continue’ in the pop-up that opens.
8. Enter ‘PowerShell’ in the search field next to the Start menu. Choose ‘Run as Administrator’ from the options on the right and click ‘Yes’ to indicate you want to make changes.
9. From the window that displays, click next to ‘PS C:WINDOWSsystem32>’. and copy and paste the following: WSA-GApps-pico 2204.40000.20.0 x64 Release-Nightly cd C:
10. Enter, then copy and paste the following: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -Bypass-ExecutionPolicy
11. Enter once again, then type ‘A’ and enter once more.
Then, copy and paste the following code and press enter:.Install.ps1.
12. After a few seconds, you should get a notice indicating that the process was successful. Once completed, the Windows Subsystem for Android will start up and the Play Store will open immediately.
However, you may have noticed a notification stating that ‘VirtWifi has no internet connectivity’. The Play Store will not function without it, although Windows Defender Firewall will. It is not safe to turn down the firewall fully, however, you may make an exception:
14. Type ‘advanced security’ into the search bar next to the Start button to access ‘Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.’
15. Click ‘Windows Defender Firewall Properties’ at the bottom of the Overview section.
16. Click ‘Customize…’ next to ‘Protected network connections.’
17. Uncheck the ‘vEthernet (WSL)’ option. and then press the ‘OK’ button.
18. To confirm, click ‘OK’ again.
Read also: How to make Windows 11 storage space available
Play store working:
The Play Store will now function properly. Simply open it and sign in with your Google account to download any app you like. Some will perform better than others, but all may be pinned to the taskbar and are compatible with the multitasking capabilities of Windows 11.
According to one reader, the Amazon Appstore may be uninstalled throughout the procedure. Simply reinstall the software from the Microsoft Store – you may use it in conjunction with the Google Play Store. The smartphone will appear as a Pixel 5 in your Google account, which may have a minor impact on the applications you may install. However, the great majority will remain available.
3 Comments