In the tech world, it’s easy to get excited about new ways to run Android apps on a Windows PC without using an emulator. And while the idea sounds appealing—especially with Microsoft’s own WSA (Windows Subsystem for Android)—real-world usage often tells a different story.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through two of the most talked-about methods for running Android apps on Windows using WSA, both of which were personally tested. Spoiler alert: Neither worked as expected. But instead of wasting your time, this blog will explain the exact steps followed, where the issues occurred, and what the better alternatives are.
💭 Why Even Bother Testing WSA?
Let’s start with a quick recap. WSA allows Windows 11 users to run Android applications natively through a virtualized Android environment. It sounds perfect in theory—no need for third-party emulators, smoother performance, and better integration.
But what happens when theory doesn’t meet reality?
That’s what we’re about to explore.
🧪 Method 1: Installing WSA via GitHub Build (MustardChef’s WSA Builds)
This was the first approach tested, based on recommendations from GitHub developers. Here’s what happened.
🔽 Step 1: Downloading the WSA Build
I visited the GitHub page maintained by MustardChef, which provides pre-configured WSA builds. Scrolling to the Windows 11 section, I downloaded the stable version of WSA using the recommended link.
Problems faced:
- The link often failed with errors like:
- “Site cannot be reached”
- “Check your internet connection”
After a few retries, I finally downloaded the .zip file (~1.4GB).
🗃️ Step 2: Extracting and Running the Script
- Extracted the ZIP file
- Ran the
run.batscript as administrator - This initiated the WSA installation
- I was prompted to enable Developer Mode through Windows settings
All of these steps were followed exactly.
🔄 Step 3: Trying to Launch Google Play Store
After installation:
- The Google Play Store icon appeared under installed apps
- Clicking it opened a loading window, but…
- It automatically closed
- This happened every single time
- Tried restarting the PC and relaunching
Even after repeated attempts, the Play Store would not stay open. I verified:
- Developer Mode was enabled
- No antivirus or firewall was blocking it
Still, nothing worked.
📌 Tried this on two different machines — same result.
💡 So Far, We Hit a Wall
If that method failed, surely there must be an alternative, right? Let’s explore the second method, which also relies on WSA but takes a different route through the Microsoft Store and an APK installer.
🧪 Method 2: Installing APKs Using APK Installer from Microsoft Store
Let’s move to the next method that uses the official Microsoft Store to sideload APKs through the Windows Subsystem for Android.
🔽 Step 1: Download the WSA Installer Package
- Downloaded the WSA build (~1.4GB) from a recommended source
- Installed it successfully
- Enabled Developer Mode again as prompted
🛍️ Step 2: Installing APK Installer (from Microsoft Store)
Now I was instructed to install an application called APK Installer for Windows 11:
- Searched for it in Microsoft Store
- Downloaded and installed it (size ~1.37GB)
This tool is meant to simplify APK sideloading for WSA.
Official Microsoft Store Link for APK Installer:
👉 https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/apk-installer/9P5V0CVZDJ8J
Even though Microsoft ended official support for Windows Subsystem for Android, it doesn’t mean the end of Android apps on Windows. Thanks to community builds, you can still install WSA in 2025, run the Google Play Store, and sideload APK files. You can read more at… How to Manually Install Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 11 in 2025
📂 Step 3: Getting the APK File
After that, I downloaded an APK file of a mobile game (can’t mention source due to copyright reasons). Once downloaded:
- Launched APK Installer
- It again prompted:
- Enable Developer Mode ✅
- Enable ADB Debugging ✅
- Selected the APK file
- Hit install
The installation succeeded, or at least that’s what it said…
🕹️ Step 4: Trying to Launch the Installed Game
After installation:
- The app appeared inside Windows Subsystem for Android
- It also showed up in the Windows search
- Tried launching it…
And again, it just loaded for a second and closed. No error message, no crash report—just nothing.
Tried:
- Reinstalling
- Rebooting
- Checking WSA settings
- Running as administrator
None of these steps helped.
❌ Final Verdict: Both WSA Methods Failed
After testing two machines and two different approaches, I can confidently say:
WSA is not a reliable way to run Android apps or games on Windows—for now.
It may look good on paper, but real-world usage is inconsistent, buggy, and unsupported for many apps. Especially if you’re looking to run graphic-heavy games or complex applications.
❓Then What’s the Alternative?
Instead of WSA, use an Android emulator. They’re still the most reliable way to run Android apps on Windows.
Here are three solid emulator options based on system specs:
🖥️ For High-End PCs:
- BlueStacks 5 (64-bit)
- Great performance
- Supports GPU rendering
- Best for gaming
- https://www.bluestacks.com
🧠 For Mid-Range PCs:
- LDPlayer
- Balanced performance and features
- Keyboard mapping and macro support
- https://www.ldplayer.net
🐢 For Low-End PCs:
- MEmu Play
- Lightweight
- Decent compatibility
- https://www.memuplay.com
These tools are battle-tested and have active developer support. They also give you more control over performance settings, resolution, root access, etc.
⚠️ A Word on Security and Stability
Many tutorials online suggest using WSA with modified builds and developer-side tools, but:
- These are not officially supported
- May require unsafe permissions
- Could break with future Windows updates
- Often have no proper error handling
WSA is still evolving, and while it’s fine for basic tasks, it’s not mature enough for everyday Android gaming or productivity use.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use WSA to run WhatsApp or Instagram on PC?
A: You can try, but stability is not guaranteed. Using an emulator is a more stable choice.
Q: Is enabling Developer Mode safe?
A: It opens your system to potential risks. Only enable it if you’re fully aware of what you’re doing.
Q: Why doesn’t WSA work with Play Store apps?
A: Many Play Store apps check for Google Play Services or SafetyNet, which may not work well in modded environments like WSA.
Q: Is sideloading APKs legal?
A: Sideloading per se is legal, but downloading APKs from unofficial sources can be risky and potentially violate terms of service.
✅ Conclusion: Save Your Time — Use Emulators Instead
To sum it up:
- WSA looks cool, but doesn’t deliver in practice (yet)
- Both methods tested failed to run even basic apps like Play Store and simple APK games
- Emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, or MEmu still offer the best performance, compatibility, and support
If you’re serious about enjoying Android apps or games on your PC, skip the complex WSA methods and go for the tried-and-tested route.
🔖 Tags and Hashtags
Tags: Windows Subsystem for Android, WSA not working, Android apps on PC, APK Installer, Windows 11, Android emulator, BlueStacks, LDPlayer, MEmu
Hashtags:
#Windows11 #WSA #APKInstaller #AndroidOnPC #Emulator #BlueStacks #LDPlayer #MEmuPlay #TechTutorial #WSAFailed
