Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones.
But what if you want to try Android OS on a Windows PC or laptop?
Whether you want to play an Android game on a Windows PC or use your favorite Android app on a PC for testing or productivity purposes.
With the help of emulators, you can download and use Android applications or games on a PC.
Android emulators don’t give you a complete feel of Android OS on a PC.
There are a few Android OS that are customized for PC.
Here are the Best Android OS For PCs and laptops that you can easily install on your low-spec Windows PC.
Best Android OS For PC
1. Android 13 Subsystem on Windows 11
With Windows 11, Microsoft has integrated Android apps into its ecosystem. While the recommended method for downloading these apps is via the Amazon Appstore, it is not the only way.
Thankfully, you can sideload app installation. This process requires the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).
Android apps run quite efficiently, with many of them feeling nearly as native as traditional Windows apps.
This is thanks to both the optimization of the subsystem itself and the improvements in modern hardware.
Unlike the traditional full-screen mode on smartphones, Android apps on WSA can be run in windowed mode.
They can be resized, minimized, and managed just like regular Windows applications.
PROS
- Vast and growing Android apps library available to install
- Run multiple Android apps in Windowed mode with the Start Menu, Taskbar, and Window management systems
- Share files between Android apps and Windows, some allowing simple drag and drop.
CONS
- No Google Play app store support to directly install Android apps
- It takes up a lot of computer resources so not ideal for moderately powered computers
2. Bluestacks
You might have heard of the first OS, Bluestacks is a very popular Android Emulator to download Android apps on your PC.
You can also use Bluestacks to play your favorite Android games right on your PC.
Bluestacks comes with tons of features such as customized controls for games, and the ability to take screenshots and record screens, and it also optimizes PC usage while running heavy applications.
Moreover, Bluestacks is a light application meaning it doesn’t hog a lot of your resources while running.
It also comes with additional features such as a real-time translation feature that allows you to run apps in your local language, it also runs a lot of games in HD quality.
Bluestacks is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Overall, Bluestacks is a great emulator with little to no compromises which makes it the best Android OS for PC.
PROS
- Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- BlueStacks their own apps library, consisting of thousands of different applications
- It can run inside the existing operating system.
CONS
- Not ideal for older systems as the emulators require a considerable amount of power
- Few non-standard controllers are not supported.
3. PrimeOS
In our testing, PrimeOS was the second-best Android OS for PC.
It provides a dedicated environment for you to download and run your favorite Android apps and games.
It is compatible with both Windows and Mac and also offers a full desktop experience. It also has a beautiful UI that can be used to navigate the emulator.
Like Bluestacks, PrimeOS comes with a lot of great features such as key mapping and the ability to customize game controls, lightning-fast performance, a built-in file manager, and much more.
PrimeOS is also pretty lightweight and secure. PrimeOS comes with a game center that can be used to discover all new games, manage keymapping and graphic settings, and chat with the PrimeOS Community.
Overall, PrimeOS is a great Android OS for your PC and you should definitely give it a try.
PROS
- It provides a dedicated environment for running Android apps and games
- Standalone installation on the computer with a separate boot manager
- The Android is optimized for enhancing performance in gaming.
CONS
- Creating partitions requires the help of detailed tutorials
- Inconsistent security updates
4. Phoenix OS
Phoenix OS is another good Android OS for PC that you can use to run your favorite Android games and apps on your PC.
Unlike some other Android emulators, Phoenix OS supports Multi-Windows and comes with a one-key toggle to switch between apps.
Like Bluestacks and PrimeOS, Phoenix OS also allows you to map keys so that you can play your favorite games using your keyboard.
Phoenix OS also comes with a notification center where you can view and manage all your notifications.
Some of the great features Phoenix OS has are x64 architecture support, Ethernet and LAN support, Universal Search, File Manager, and a built-in app cloner which can be used to duplicate an app to run different accounts.
One drawback with Phoenix OS is that it comes included with ads that are not very intrusive but sometimes annoying.
Phoenix OS is a great Android OS for PC that you should definitely try.
PROS
- It runs on the Android 7.1 version with support for most apps
- Multi-Windows are supported across the platform
- Add any launcher and customize the home screen experience.
CONS
- Ads in different parts of the platform
- Not ideal for virtual machines
5. ChromeOS
ChromeOS has recently gained a lot of popularity for being light which gives it the ability to run on the relatively low specced Chromebooks.
Many students bought Chromebooks for online classes during the pandemic since it was a cheap alternative to Windows laptops or desktops. ChromeOS allows you to download Android apps directly from the Google Play Store.
ChromeOS is light and fast with a great UI. You can download ChromeOS on both Windows and Mac.
Some of the great features ChromeOS comes with are a dedicated launcher, really easy to set up, and is really safe.
While ChromeOS doesn’t come with features such as key mapping or optimization for games, it is a great way to run normal Android apps on your PC. ChromeOS is one of the best Android OS for PC if you have a low specced computer.
PROS
- It can be installed as an independent operating system
- Fully customizable elements and modified according to requirements
- ChromeOS is relatively lightweight and can run on older systems
CONS
- Initial setup has a long learning curve
- Not easy like an Android emulator
6. Android x86
Android x86 is an open-source project designed for you to experience an Android-like environment on your PC.
It is constantly being developed by several developers and is licensed under Apache Public License 2.0. Android x86 does a great job of simulating Android on a PC and gives a Samsung Dex-like feel.
Some features it has are Bluetooth and Wifi support, easy multitasking, and a stable experience.
Like ChromeOS, Android x86 is not built for games so you don’t get the custom key mapping or the high-speed performance but it’s a great piece of software to use and run Android apps on your PC.
If you need an open-source, stable Android Emulator then Android x86 is one of the best Android OS for PC.
PROS
- Based on the Lineage OS, providing familiarity for many CM users
- Active development by volunteers and requested features are added regularly
- Easy to use multi-task controls
CONS
- Slower than other Android OS
- Installing it requires planning and effort
7. Remix OS
Remix OS is a great Android OS to use on your PC. It gives you features like the ability to right-click and a taskbar to make it easier to use on a desktop.
You can download almost all the apps available on Android with little to no compatibility issues.
Remix OS also offers desktop-class features such as resizable windows for easy multi-tasking.
It also offers a clean and easy-to-use interface along with low hardware and software requirements, Remix OS can be downloaded and used on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
Like some other Android emulators, Remix OS offers custom key mapping for more convenience.
If you want a mix of Android and Windows and custom key mapping, Remix OS is one of the best Android OS for PC.
PROS
- A sleek user interface, ideal for all ages and experience groups
- Virtually every Android app is supported on this OS
- It runs on almost all computers, including legacy systems
CONS
- Not in active development
- The older installer contained third-party software, which was removed later. Make sure to download the latest files.
8. Bliss OS x86
Like Android x86, Bliss OS x86 is another open-source Android OS for PC that comes with many advanced features.
Bliss OS can be installed on any Chromebook, Windows/Linux PC, or tablet released in the last 4 years. Being open-source, Bliss OS focuses on security and features added security options through the OS that are updated regularly.
Some of the great features Bliss OS offers are added customization options, improved battery life with many settings to tune it even further, great performance, compatibility with support for both x86 and ARM architectures, ability to choose between a desktop or tablet UI, gamepad configurations and more.
If you want an open-source Android Emulator with many features then Bliss OS is one of the best Android OS for PC.
PROS
- Bliss OS is compatible with Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and macOS
- It supports ARM and x86 architecture processors
- Gamepad configurations are included for popular models.
CONS
- Limited hardware supported with the recent components having compatibility issues
- No official guide and documentation for installation. We have to rely on YouTube tutorials.
9. Openthos
Openthos is a free and open-source Android Emulator to download and run Android apps on your PC or Mac.
It includes features such as multi-window support, file manager, and task manager to make it easier for you to use it on a desktop.
Openthos has a very low latency while using a keyboard and a mouse and comes with 60fps support so you can use your favorite Android apps at 60 fps.
The UI is really clean and easy to use. If you want a simple Android emulator then Openthos is one of the best Android OS for PC.
PROS
- Full-disk encryption for enhanced security along with biometrics option
- Run suspicious apps in app isolation mode
- Consistent 60 FPS support for gaming on Android OS
CONS
- Not optimized for older machines
- No legacy boot support; only UEFI available
10. Genymotion
Genymotion is an Android emulator for PC made especially for developers.
You can use Genymotion for free, on-demand, on the cloud, or the premium version with each offering different features.
Genymotion allows access to unlimited virtual machines which makes it easy for you to test your app under different conditions.
Genymotion comes with features such as low ram usage, no nested virtualization, availability from Android 4.4 to the latest android version, and on different platforms such as Google, AWS, Azure, Alibaba, and more.
If you are a developer then Genymotion is one of the best Android OS for PC.
PROS
- Ideal for Android app developers who are looking to test apps. An unlimited number of devices are available.
- In-house integration options for SDKs and different APIs
- Run an unlimited number of Android instances for testing applications
CONS
- The free version has limitations
- Buggy portrait display mode
11. FydeOS
Earlier known as FlintOS, it is a fork of Chromium OS with native Android apps support. Free cloud support is available through the FydeOS Sync app for PC.
Users can also run Linux apps in the specifically designed subsystem. Remote access to the FydeOS from anywhere after the initial configuration.
Use the Android OS with or without signing into a Google account. There is no support for the Play Store, but users can download and load the APK files directly.
FydeOS receives timely system OTA updates through the Chromium OS project within each milestone version.
PROS
- Run Android and Linux apps without a problem
- Full-fledged Chromium browser to experience the internet
- Community support to troubleshoot problems on the Android OS without hitting a wall.
CONS
- Limited functionality for certain apps due to virtual machine environment
- The free version is not available for Raspberry Pi
12. Anbox OS
Anbox OS is Android OS for PC, designed for gaming on the mobile OS. It is optimized for enhancing the mobile gaming experience. Achieve the same game experience as a smartphone or a tablet.
Assign keys to the screen with one-click mapping. Get the entire desktop experience with a taskbar, start menu, and run multiple apps simultaneously. Play Free Fire, BGMI, and Valorant mobile on a PC without an emulator.
Different versions, from Android 7 to 11, are available right now. Download the ISO or exe file and install it on a partition. It can be dual-booted with the existing Windows installation.
PROS
- Full-fledged desktop experience with Android apps support
- Dual boot the OS with an existing operating system
- Supports UEFI and Legacy boot, making it compatible with a wide range of computer systems
CONS
- No official updates for the operating system
- Few Android apps have issues with permissions
13. Lineage OS
Lineage OS has been inspired by the popular CyanogenMod, a popular customized operating system for mobiles based on Android. Customize this Android OS for PC with the personalization options.
The OS has a library of open-source apps built and optimized for the platform. They help the users get started without requiring long installation sessions to use the Android OS on a PC.
Install LineageOS on PC by creating a bootable media, preferably through Rufus, and then installing it on a separate partition.
PROS
- Full customization is possible for a personalized user experience
- Constant updates are scheduled with the latest available Android
- Install on a partition directly through the auto-installation mode
CONS
- Mobile-like home-screen interface
- Not ideal for beginners
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Android OS for PC?
BlueStacks is an excellent choice to get started for your Android OS experience. The close seconds are Phoenix OS and Chrome OS. The overall experience will depend on your usage.
If you want to use Android OS for gaming, then BlueStacks and Phoenix OS are the best bets. They offer in-house optimization controls and advanced key mapping to ensure powerhouse gaming.
How do I install Android OS on my PC?
Most of the Android OS we discussed offer direct installation files. Rest provides ISO files, which can be loaded into flash drives through a bootable media creator. Then they can be booted and installed easily, just like Lineage OS.
CONCLUSION
These were some of the Best Android OS for PC. You can try them on your Windows PC.
