Thursday, May 1, 2025

Install Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10

Standard
WSA - Android Subsystem

Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) was originally designed for Windows 11, allowing users to run Android apps natively on their PC. However, Microsoft never officially released WSA for Windows 10. While WSA is being discontinued on Windows 11 after March 5, 2025, some users have successfully installed modified versions on Windows 10 using unofficial methods.

Important Notice

Before proceeding, be aware that installing WSA on Windows 10 is not officially supported by Microsoft, and future updates may block or limit its functionality. Ensure you back up your system before making any modifications.

Prerequisites

  • Windows 10 Version: You must be running Windows 10 (x64) version 2004 or later.
  • Virtualization Support: WSA relies on virtualization technology, so enable Virtual Machine Platform by running the following command in PowerShell (Admin):
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
  • Hyper-V Support (Optional): Some methods require Hyper-V, so check if your edition of Windows 10 supports it.

Steps to Install WSA on Windows 10

Step 1: Download the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) Package

Since Microsoft does not provide a Windows 10 version, you'll need to find a modified WSA package from a trusted source, such as GitHub or community forums.

Step 2: Extract and Install WSA

Once you have the WSA package:

  1. Extract the contents into a folder using WinRAR or 7-Zip.
  2. Open PowerShell (Admin) and navigate to the folder:
cd "C:\Path\To\WSA"
  1. Install WSA using:
Add-AppxPackage -Register .\AppxManifest.xml

Step 3: Install ADB and Connect WSA

  1. Download Android Debug Bridge (ADB) from Google's official site.
  2. Extract ADB and run:
adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526
  1. You can now sideload Android APKs using:
adb install your-app.apk

Step 4: Enable Google Play Services (Optional)

Some modified WSA builds support Google Play Services, but most do not. If required, install MicroG (an open-source alternative to Google Play Services).

Video Tutorials

For more detailed guidance, you can check out these video tutorials:

Final Thoughts

While installing WSA on Windows 10 is possible through unofficial methods, keep in mind that Microsoft never supported it, and functionality may vary depending on updates. If you prefer a more stable experience, consider using Android emulators like BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, or LDPlayer.

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