And it is that Google’s operating system is only officially available for smartphones and tablets, and although we will soon see such compatibility on Windows 11 computers, for now we can opt for an emulator to obtain a similar experience. That is why, if we want to use Android applications on our computer, one of the best options is to use this software.
What is BlueStacks and what is it for?
We are talking about a free emulator, which has become one of the easiest ways to run Android games and applications, as well as open APK files from our Windows computer.
This software is basically in charge of executing on our PC a full and modified android operating system, which we can access from the Play Store and download all the content we want, just as we would on a mobile. In fact, what the program does is pretend to be an Android device, showing itself in the list of Google Play devices.
We must be clear that it is not pure Android, not even remotely, but it is optimized to be able to function in the best possible way, since we are going to be able to execute the same from the PC apps and games that we can use on our mobile, all downloaded from the Play Store itself, which we can access with our account. We can even directly download the APKs of applications and games and install them in the emulator.
As for the level of compatibility, this emulator is capable of running all kinds of applications and even the most current games on the Play Store. As an additional advantage, to say that we will be able to record our own gamess and share them later, making it ideal for gameplays.
To manage through its interface we can use the mouse perfectly. It also allows us to create custom keyboard controls and it even has touch screen support, ideal for those computers that have a screen with these characteristics, since we can use it with our fingers, just like on a mobile or tablet.
How does it work
Once we have downloaded it and run it on our computer, BlueStacks loads with a window on our desktop. The interface is quite attractive as well as intuitive and in Spanish, so its use should not be very complex.
Use the Play Store for downloads
From here we will have access to various categories of applications for which we can use Google Play, just as we would from our mobile phone, to download the application or game that we want. For this we will only have to log in with our user account.
Once logged in we find the same interface of the Play Store of our mobile so to download any content the process is the same. We simply have to search for the desired application or game and click on Install.
Once installed, a direct access will appear within the program’s interface, from where you can run it by clicking on it.
It also opens APK files
BlueStacks also offers the possibility to run APK files, which will allow us to install both applications and games that are not in the Play Store but that we have downloaded on our own, so the variety that we can run from the app is greatly expanded. emulator.
To do this, it will only be necessary to drag and drop the file to the program’s desktop or click directly on the Install APK button found on the toolbar located on the right of the interface. Doing this will open the File Explorer, for what we only have to look for the path where we have it saved, select it and click on the Open button.
Once this is done, the installation will begin and once it is finished we can execute it by clicking on the shortcut that it will create in its main menu.
Side Toolbar
From the BlueStacks interface we must also look at the toolbar that we find on the right side. Here we have different buttons that will allow us to carry out different actions such as activating the full screen, increasing or decreasing the volume, blocking the mouse cursor, taking a screenshot, installing an APK or accessing its Settings section, among others options.
Free Download BlueStacks App Player
BlueStacks is free software, so we can download it without spending a single euro from its official website. It is perfectly optimized to work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and for computers with the macOS operating system. In addition, it has versions for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
The minimum requirements that our computer must meet in order to run BlueStacks are the following:
- Operating system: Windows 10/11.
- Processor: Intel or AMD.
- RAM: Minimum 4 GB of RAM.
- Storage: 5 GB of free disk space.
- Updated graphics drivers from Microsoft or the chipset vendor.
- Have Hyper-V enabled on the computer.
If we meet the requirements, we only have to download the installer that we will obtain in EXE format. The whole process is carried out in a simple way through its assistant, which can take a few minutes depending on the speed of our Internet connection.
Other alternatives to emulate Android
If we are looking for an Android emulator to run from our computer, we can make use of some of the following alternatives to BlueStacks:
NoxPlayer
It is an Android emulator for PC with which we are going to install games and applications from the Play Store, as well as directly open APK files. Its interface is quite simple, so it can be used by all types of users, both beginners and advanced. It has its own graphics engine, so it is especially recommended for running Android games. We can download NoxPlayer for free from its official website.
MEmu
We are talking about one of the most used Android emulators for Windows today. This is mainly focused on video games, and from which we can download applications and games from the Play Store, as well as open any APK file and install it in a very simple and fast way. It has an intuitive interface and in Spanish that will remind us a lot of our mobile phone. To get started, simply download MEmu for free from this link to the developer’s website.
