Windows 11 comes with many new features, one of which is the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). This feature allows Android apps to be installed and run on Windows 11 without the need for an emulator. However, what if you are using Windows 10 and want to use this feature? Fortunately, there is a way to install WSA on Windows 10 on Reddit with the help of a Github repository. In this guide, we will show you how to do just that.
WARNING: The following guide is not officially supported or condoned by Microsoft. Installing the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10 requires modifications to your system and may void your warranty or cause unforeseen issues, including bugs to operating system stability and performance. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure your computer meets the following requirements:
- Running Windows 10 version 21H2 or higher.
- At least 4 GB of RAM.
- Virtualization capabilities enabled in the BIOS and Windows 10.
Once you have verified that your computer meets the initial requirements, you can proceed with these instructions for this WSA tool to function properly on your Windows 10 machine.
Step 1: Download the Windows Subsystem for Android installer
The first step is to download the WSA installer from GitHub – note that this is a 3rd party resource, not directly from Microsoft. To download the latest release, go to the following URL: https://github.com/JimDude7404/WSA-Windows-10/releases. Once you download and extract the latest release to a folder on your PC, you can get started using setting up the ability to run Android apps on Windows 10.
Step 2: Enable virtualization
Follow these steps to turn on virtualization in Windows 10:
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows 10 machine and go to Programs.
- Click “Turn Windows features on or off.”
- Make sure that the checkboxes next to Windows Hypervisor Platform, Virtual machine platform, and Windows Subsystem for Linux are marked.
- Click OK and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Make sure that virtualization is also enabled in your BIOS. Check your PC manufacturer’s instructions or check out our guide on how to enter your BIOS or UEFI on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Step 3: Install Windows Subsystem for Linux
By following the rudimentary instructions available on the GitHub page, there is a specific link you need to use to download and install Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store. Once that is done, you can move on to the next step.
Step 4: Enable developer mode
In Windows Settings, go to Update & Security > For developers. Once there, click the toggle to turn on Developer Mode and click Yes when prompted. This will enable you to run apps on your PC from any source, not just the Microsoft Store.
Step 5: Use Android apps on Windows 10
You are now ready to use the WSA tool you downloaded from GitHub in the first step. Navigate to the location where you downloaded and extracted the Windows Subsystem for Android tool, right-click the setup.bat file and click Run as administrator. Once the tool is finished installing, you can start installing apk files to your Windows 10 PC, but you will need to download a package manager like WSA Pacman.
Conclusion
Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is a great feature for Windows 10 users who want to run Android apps natively on their PC. With WSA, you can enjoy the benefits of both Windows and Android on the same device. The installation and setup process of WSA is straightforward, and you can start using Android apps on your Windows 10 PC in no time. We hope this guide has provided you with all the necessary information that you need to know about installing WSA on Windows 10. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
