Run Android apps with bluestacks - Here's how
You can also run many Android apps on Windows or Mac OS using the Bluestacks application. Not all apps are compatible with Bluestacks, but numerous Android applications work quite well with the Android emulator. However, sometimes you cannot use all functions such as widgets.
Install bluestacks on the computer
The installation of bluestacks is completely uncomplicated and done quickly. The program is still in the beta phase, but is already running quite reliably under Windows. However, crashes can occasionally occur when you run Android apps.
- If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Win 8, you will find the current version of Bluestacks here. You can get the MacOS version here.
- After you have successfully completed the installation, you can start working with the program immediately.
- Bluestacks is automatically linked to the autostart. However, you can simply remove the entry or at least deactivate it. You can find out how to do this here. If you deactivate the autostart, you will no longer receive any messages via the status bar of your computer.
- With the "1-Click Sync" tile you can synchronize data with your Android smartphone or Android tablet. This is also possible via the cloud connection, which you can find in the settings.
Create a Google account in bluestacks
In order to download the Android apps from the Google store, you have to create an account with your Google data.
- To do this, go to the settings that you can reach via the gear in the status bar at the bottom right.
- In the settings you can make the usual modifications, for example, change the date and time, language, keyboard settings or the app size, and delete apps that are no longer required.
- Select the "Manage Account" option.
- There, click on "Add account".
- Then enter your Google data.
The first steps with the Android emulator on Windows
The surface of Bluestacks is very clear, so that you can find your way around intuitively. If you want to download Android apps, you have various options.
1. Install Android apps using Bluestacks
- To do this, click either the "App Search" tile or the "magnifying glass" in the upper window of Bluestacks.
- Enter the name of the Android app you are looking for.
- After a few letters, Bluestacks already offers you a few suggestions in a drop-down menu.
- Select the appropriate app.
- The Android emulator shows you the stores from which you can download the app you are looking for.
2. Install Android apps from the Google Play Store
- The process is the same as for a "normal" android.
- Sign in to the Play Store.
- Find the appropriate app.
- Google will check compatibility with your android - in this case the emulator.
- If the app is compatible with Bluestacks, you can download the Android app.
This practical tip shows you how to open Android apps via your web browser.