How to open APK files on a PC?

It is possible to install APK archives and open them on a Windows computer, although this requires the use of third-party programs. We teach you the best alternatives and how to install APK archives on each step by step.

There are several ways to open APK archives on a computer, that is, install APK archives on Windows, but currently the most stable and convenient is to use an emulator. There are several on the market, here we tell you how to open APK archives with the two best and most popular, BlueStacks and Nox Player.

BlueStacks

BlueStacks is an Android emulator. This is what it does, it installs a kind of virtual Android which, in addition to being fully functional, since it can connect to the Internet, has access to Google Play, and allows you to install applications to use them on Windows. Start by downloading Bluestacks using the button provided below:

Once the download is complete, double-click on the executable archive to start the installation. If the operating system asks you for confirmation, accept it.

You will arrive at the installation window. Press the Install Now button (make sure the Accept software license box is checked). It is possible to change the installation path in the system by pressing the Customize installation.

The download of the remaining software components will start, you will have to wait more or less time depending on your connection until the download is finished. Once completed, this same software will launch on the screen and it will take an additional two or three minutes to configure it since this is the first time it is running on the system.

The first thing you'll see on the screen is the Google Play notice if you want to sign in with your Google Account. Tap I'll do it later if you want to do it later or tap Sign In to log into your account now, which will require you to enter your username and password.

Once on the main window, look in the upper left corner for the text Installed Apps. If you look closely, there are three small vertical buttons on the right, tap on them, and in the context menu, select Install APK.

At this point, a Windows Explorer window will open, locating the APK archive you want to install and that you downloaded previously on your hard drive (the BlueStacks icon will appear, which means that this 'is a compatible file) and taps Open in the lower right corner.

You will see the icon of your new application in gray and with a loading animation on the main screen of BlueStacks, where the installed applications are displayed. After a few seconds, the icon will have its normal appearance with color, indicating that the application is installed. Click on it and the application will launch on the screen.

Nox Player

NoxPlayer is another famous Android emulator for Windows that allows you to install apps and use them on the desktop. If you choose this alternative, you will have to start by downloading the installation archive on the button below:

Once the transfer is complete, find the archive in your downloads folder and double-click on it. If the operating system asks for additional permission, give it.

The installer window will open a few seconds later. Press the Install button (from the lower right corner you can make custom adjustments on the installation process). Make sure the box in the lower-left corner is checked.

It is likely that during installation the system will show you several windows of additional software. Just ignore it by checking the Reject option.

As we said, you will surely find more than one window to Deny.

After a few minutes, Nox Player will finish configuring all of its components, then you will see the Start button, press it.

You can then identify yourself on your Google account using the login button or postpone this step by pressing the Login later button.

With Nox Player already on your screen and fully open, look in the options menu in the right margin for a square button with the letters apk and press on it.

A Windows Explorer window will open so that you can locate the APK archive of the application you are going to install. Select it and press Open in the lower right corner.

After a few seconds, the icon of your new application will be available on the Nox desktop, and its start window will display all the installed applications. One-click on it and you can open the application. In this example, we have installed Snapchat.