Open Apk Files Windows 10
Home; Features; Screenshots; Downloads; APKs; USB Drivers; FAQs; APK Installer for Android. Updated: Oct 15, 2018 Requires: Android 4.0 or higher License: Free File. Aug 13, 2015 - Here is how you can install Android APK on Windows easily with a few simple steps. Required files: Download wconnect tool and Android SDK adb tool. Go to the extracted wconnect folder and open a command prompt.
If you own an Android device you will likely have heard of an APK file at some point, and possibly wondered what it even is. Understanding this is essential if you want to start downloading leaked apps or customizing your Android experience further than would be possible using the Play Store alone. In our guide, you'll learn what APK files are, how to download them, and finally, how to install them.
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What is an APK File?
An Android Package Kit (APK for short) is the package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps. Just like Windows (PC) systems use an .exe file for installing software, the APK does the same for Android.
When you download an APK online, you're essentially getting an app. Most users get apps from the Google Play Store, without ever seeing the word APK. But there are occasions when you would want to do otherwise.
How To Open Apk Files
Why would I want to install an APK File?
APK files of new Android builds are often leaked ahead of time, giving you early access to all the exciting new features that otherwise wouldn't be available to you. Also, some apps are restricted to regions outside of your own.
App updates can take a frustrating amount of time to arrive automatically over the air. Getting the latest APK for your favorite apps will let you jump the queue. Or you might even not like a particular app after an update, and want to install an older version instead.
And if your Android device lacks access to the Google Play Store, APK files may be your only option for installing apps on your device.
Be careful though, you don't want to download stolen apps. Some APK services let you download pirated apps. This is illegal and should be avoided. Worse still, sketchy APK files may contain malware, as many who thought they were getting early versions of Fortnite for Android discovered to their dismay. Do some research before you download so you don't do anything against the law or contaminate your device.
How to install an APK from your Android device
You can also install APK files from your browser on your Android smartphone or tablet.
- Just open your browser, find the APK file you want to download, and tap it – you should then be able to see it downloading on the top bar of your device.
- Once it's downloaded, open Downloads, tap on the APK file, and tap Yes when prompted.
- The app will begin installing on your device. Simple.
How to install APK Files from your computer
There are many sources of APK files across the web, but be sure to choose a site you trust. Some APK files may contain malicious software (malware) which could compromise your phone's security. It is best to be cautious before downloading or installing any app from outside of the Play Store.
Generally speaking, APK files found on APK Mirror should be safer to download than from elsewhere, but read some reviews and user comments before downloading or installing an APK.
How Do I Open Apk Files On Windows 10
- First, you must find an APK file you want. Search online for an APK file and download it to an easy-to-find location on your computer (like your desktop).
- Before you can install it on your phone you will need to make sure that third-party apps are allowed on your device.
- Go to Menu > Settings > Security > and check Unknown Sources to allow your phone to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
- Android 8 Oreo and 9 Pie do things a little differently. Rather than check a global setting to allow installation from unknown sources, you'll be you'll be prompted to allow your browser or file manager to install APKs the first time you attempt to do so.
- If you like, you can also download a file manager app so you can easily find files on your Android device. We recommend our favorite file managers in our list of the best file explorers for Android.
- Once you've downloaded the APK file on your computer, connect your Android device to it.
- At this point, you may be asked if you want to charge your phone or connect it as a 'media device.' Choose Media device.
- Then, find your phone's folder on your computer. It will be in 'My Computer' or 'Computer' on Windows (PC).
- Copy the APK file into a folder of your choice in your Android smartphone.
- You will now be able to search for the file location in the My files folder of your device.
- Find the APK file, tap it, then hit Install.
And now you're done, congratulations, you have your app. Just open it up from your smartphone and make sure it works properly. If it doesn't, repeat the process with a different APK file. You may have to try a different APK site.
Do you download APK files? Which do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
I want to install an APK from PC to Android device. And because of user's Android and generally technical skills, I need to do it as automatically (silently) as possible. So how do I send an APK from PC to Android and start install there?
5 Answers
- Connect Android device to PC via USB cable and turn on USB storage.
- Copy .apk file to attached device's storage.
- Turn off USB storage and disconnect it from PC.
- Check the option Settings → Applications → Unknown sourcesOR Settings > Security > Unknown Sources.
- Open FileManager app and click on the copied .apk file. If you can't fine the apk file try searching or allowing hidden files.It will ask you whether to install this app or not. Click Yes or OK.
This procedure works even if ADB is not available.
Just connect the device to the PC with a USB cable, then copy the .apk file to the device. On the device, touch the APK file in the file explorer to install it.
You could also offer the .apk on your website. People can download it, then touch it to install.
And don't forget to enable Unknown sources in your Android device Settings, before installing apk, else Android platform will not allow you to install apk directly
Airdroid , android market install the app on android then go onto the computer type in the address given, type in the password given (or scan the QR code). Go to settings and under security (if your running the new ICS or Jellybean) or go to settings->apps->managment and select unknown sources(for gingerbread) then click on (I think) speed install, or something along those lines. it will be on the top of the page slightly towards the left. drag and drop as many .apks as you want then on you android just tap the install buttons that appear. Airdroid is wonderful and does a lot more than just apks.