Installing Google Play on Windows 11
Windows 11 allows users to run Android apps thanks to its Intel Bridge Technology (IBT). This feature is one of the standout improvements over previous versions, enabling you to run Android apps and games directly on your PC alongside Windows programs, without needing any emulator. However, Microsoft officially stopped supporting this feature in March 2025, though it’s still possible to re-enable it even on the latest Windows 11 builds.
The main limitation is that the feature relies on the Amazon Appstore, which has a limited selection of apps and games and requires signing in with a US-based Amazon account. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install the Google Play Store on Windows 11, giving you easier access to a full range of Android apps. Note that this is an unofficial method, so proceed at your own risk.
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| How to Install Google Play Store on Windows 11 |
Check Requirements and Prepare Your System
You can install the full Google Play Store on Windows 11, allowing you to download, install, and update Android apps and games with a single click, just like on a smartphone. This also enables you to run apps that rely on Google Play Services, such as YouTube, Google Maps, and more. The method involves using a modified version of the Android subsystem for Windows (WSA) that includes all the tools necessary to install Google Play. But before you start, there are some system requirements and preparation steps you need to follow.
First, your PC must be running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, with at least 8 GB of RAM. You also need to enable virtualization in your BIOS, provided your processor supports it. If these requirements are met, you can proceed with preparing your system to run Google Play on Windows 11.
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| Play Store on Windows - Prepare Your System |
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type optionalfeatures, and hit Enter.
- In the Windows Features window, scroll down and check Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Hypervisor Platform, then click OK.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
- While your PC is restarting, open your BIOS settings to ensure that Virtualization is enabled.
- After logging back into Windows, you can confirm it’s active by opening Task Manager, going to the Performance tab, selecting CPU, and checking that Virtualization shows as Enabled.
Once these steps are completed, your system will be ready to install the modified Android subsystem and set up Google Play on Windows 11.
Installing Google Play Store on Windows 11
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| WSABuilds LTS Build |
As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to download a modified version of the Android Subsystem for Windows (WSA), which is available for free on GitHub. Start by visiting the WSABuilds page, then scroll down to the Assets section and download the first file listed:
WSA_2407.40000.4.0_x64_Release-Nightly-GApps-13.0-NoAmazon.7z
The file size is over 500 MB, as this version comes with Google Play Store preinstalled instead of the Amazon Appstore. There are also other builds available with different modifications, including versions that support Magisk for root access.
Once the download is complete, the file will be compressed. Right-click on it and choose Extract All, then select a location to save the extracted folder and click Extract. This works if you’re using Windows’ built-in extraction tool, but you can also use WinRAR or any other archive manager to extract the main folder.
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| WSABuilds Files |
After extracting the files, open the folder that matches the downloaded version name and look for a file called Run. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator. Follow the on-screen instructions to approve the installation of the modified WSA (Windows Subsystem for Android). Wait until you see the message:
“All Done! Press any key to exit”, then press any key on your keyboard to close the window.
That’s it. Google Play Store is now installed and ready to use on your Windows 11 PC, allowing you to download and run Android apps just like on a smartphone.
Using Google Play Store on Windows 11
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| Google Play Store on Windows 11 |
Once you’ve completed all the previous steps, Google Play Store will be successfully installed on your Windows 11 PC. To launch it, open the Start menu and look for Play Store in the apps list, then click on it. Alternatively, press Win + S, type Play Store in the search bar, and open it from the results, as shown above.
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| Play Store Interface on Windows 11 |
Naturally, the first time you open Google Play Store, you’ll need to sign in with a Google account. Click Sign in and enter your account credentials. If you’re concerned about using your primary Google account, you can create a temporary or secondary account for this purpose, as signing in is required to use the store. After logging in, you’ll see the familiar Play Store interface, with categories displayed on the left side of the window, allowing you to browse apps, games, rent movies, or purchase books.
Overall, the experience is nearly identical to using Google Play Store on Android smartphones and tablets. In addition, all official Google apps work smoothly without any issues.
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| Run Android apps on Windows 11 |
To install an app, simply open its page in the store and click Install. The app will download and install in the background, and a shortcut will automatically appear in the Start menu. This confirms that you can run Google Play Store and Android apps on Windows 11 without relying on third-party emulators like BlueStacks, making the experience faster, cleaner, and more integrated with the operating system.
Final Thoughts
Installing Google Play Store on Windows 11 opens the door to a full Android experience directly on your PC, without relying on traditional emulators. Despite Microsoft ending official support for Android apps, this workaround proves that running Android applications on Windows is still possible with the right tools and setup. From productivity apps to games and Google services, everything works in a familiar and seamless way.
That said, it’s important to remember that this is an unofficial method, which means future Windows updates could affect compatibility or stability. For best results, make sure your system meets the requirements, keep backups of important data, and avoid using sensitive accounts if you have security concerns. If you’re comfortable with a bit of manual setup, this method remains one of the best ways to enjoy Google Play Store on Windows 11 in 2026 and beyond.