Make installing Android apps easy with a dedicated program for Windows 11.
You’ve set up the Windows Subsystem for Android and you’re ready to start installing those APK files. Turns out it’s a bit of a process. Wouldn’t it be better if we could just double-click those APK files?
Let’s see how to set it up to work exactly like this.
How to Download WSA-QuickInstall
WSA-QuickInstall is what we’ll be using to achieve a more seamless APK installation process. This simple app can be found on the WSA-QuickInstall GitHub page. All you need to do is unpack it somewhere you can remember, and you’re good to go.
Set up WSA QuickInstall
Setting up WSA-QuickInstall is easy. Once extracted, you will have two files and a folder. Keep them all together, but watch out install.exebecause this is the executable we use to actually sideload and install the apps.
To make sure WSA-QuickInstall works correctly, drag any APK file you have onto install.exe.
A command prompt window may appear for a while, after which your system will install the app.
That’s all well and good, but how can we enable the seamless double-click install functionality?
How to set the default program for APK files
First, make sure you have an APK file ready to install. Then follow these steps:
- Right click on your APK file and click properties
- In the properties window, click Change located next to the Opens with: section
- Click in the next window More apps
- Then scroll down and click Find another app on this PC
- Navigate to where you extracted the files and click install.exe
It’s that simple. Whenever you double-click an APK file, Windows will automatically install it for you without any hassle.
Make installing APK files easier
While the Windows Subsystem for Android is an excellent and welcome feature for Windows 11, many users wish it were a little easier to use.
Hopefully it is now. Have fun adding Android apps to your system with half the hassle.