APK files are app packages for the Android operating system. Therefore, they can be easily opened and run on mobiles with such an operating system. However, although they cannot be opened on computers and PCs without a specific program, there are some ways to run it without problems, and here we tell you how.
Below we explain what are APKs and how can they be run on PC.
What are APK files?
First of all, we must explain what APK (Android Application Package) files are and what they consist of. And, basically, the APKs are what we said at the beginning: Android application packages. These are based on the Java JAR format, although they are more of a variant of it.
In other words, APK files function as a data container for Android apps. Therefore, natively they cannot be run on PCs and other computers, as they are intended to be run on the Android platform and not on Windows, Mac, Linux and other operating systems. They have everything you need to be installed and run without problems, so you just have to click on them on an Android mobile to be installed in a matter of seconds and, immediately afterwards, open.
Of course, on PC they can also be opened, but with the help of some programs. Below we list some of the best, but first we tell you how to open them.
How to open APK files on PC?
There are many programs to open and run APK files on PC. With some you can access their information, while with others you can run directly to use the application corresponding to the selected APK to use it as if we were on the mobile. Below we list you the best and most popular used around the world.
BlueStacks
We couldn't get started without BlueStacks as a first option. And this is, by far, the most used PC program to open and run APK files both on Windows and on other platforms.
This is, perhaps, the most efficient, fast and reliable emulator for PC, which is why it is also the first choice of many and the most downloader. And is that in the latest version, which is 5.0, the developer ensures that the consumption of RAM is much less demanding on it, compared to 4.0. In this sense, BlueStacks 5.0 needs much less RAM to work, thus becoming better and better and an excellent option to open APK files on PC.
In addition, it is very customizable and it has different functions and characteristics that you can modify and adjust whenever you want through the configuration section. It is also available in several languages and presents a fairly clean interface and desktop so that any inexperienced user can handle it as if it were on a mobile phone.
Play titles like PUBG Mobile, Garena Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, and many more. Too Supports all apps from Google Play Store, which you can also access from the program or, alternatively, install an external APK file to open it whenever you want. Of course, make sure you have a computer with the minimum required specifications, otherwise, the program will run slowly and, if you plan to use it to emulate demanding games, you will go wrong.
To install APK files in BlueStacks you simply have to download the APK from any site or app repository on the web and then drag the file to the program's desktop; this is the simplest method. Another way is to look for the option to install APK and then locate the corresponding file and then select it and wait for the installation to finish in a matter of seconds.
Download BlueStack through this link.
NOX Player
Another excellent Android emulator for PC with which you can open APK files is, without a doubt, NOX Player. This program can be downloaded for free through the official website and works in a very similar way to BlueStack, so it also has a fairly simple interface for any type of user, both basic and advanced.
This program is mainly used to run Android games, by having different functions and characteristics that optimize the user experience and fluidity like BlueStacks, given that it presents a graphic engine that is responsible for improving the management and execution of the games. One of its many features includes the ability to change and adjust keyboard control keys for a personalized and comfortable gaming experience.
The process to open an APK file through NOX Player is the same as that of BlueStacks. You just have to download an APK file from any source that is reliable and then drag them to NOX Player so that it is installed and you can open it.
Download NOX Player through this link.
CoPlayer
Another emulator for PC is KoPlayer. This is capable of running any Android app and game through APK files, being another excellent alternative to BlueStacks along with NOX Player. In addition to being available for PC (Windows), it is also available for computers with Mac operating system.
This emulator allows you to download, install and play any application available on the Google Play Store, so the experience of using an Android can be perfectly replicated on any PC thanks to KoPlayer.
As in the previous options, all apps and games can be installed via drag and drop manually in a matter of seconds. Simply have the downloaded APK file on hand and then locate it in the program's interface.
On the other hand, allows you to record and share the games with whoever you want. It also comes with a pre-installed Play Store application store so you can get hold of the apps and games you want.
Download NOX Player through this link.