How to Install the Google Play Store on Windows 11

Update: The method below does not work at the time of writing and we were unable to find an alternative method. If a new version becomes available and we can verify that it works, we will update this article.

One of the big new features of Windows 11 is the ability to run Android apps natively. Previously, this was only possible with third-party software, and you’ve never been able to fully integrate phone apps into the Windows desktop before.

However, there are two big caveats to consider. Android apps on Windows 11 require an SSD and at least 8GB of RAM, although older hard drives and 4GB of RAM are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft even recommends 16GB for the best experience, which most users will not have.

But even if your device can run Android apps smoothly, you might still be disappointed with the experience. That’s because it uses the Amazon Appstore, which only offers a fraction of the apps available on the Google Play Store. What if you could have both?

Although not officially supported, there is a way to install the Play Store and run apps from it. The method has changed several times since the launch of Windows 11, but we have tested and can confirm that this version works. It is also malware-free, which cannot be said for an earlier version.

How to Install the Google Play Store on Windows 11

Before proceeding, it should be noted that this process only works with x86, 64-bit, or ARM-based devices. This won’t work if you’re using 32-bit hardware – go to Settings > System > About and check ‘System type’ if you’re not sure.

You will also need to ensure that virtualization is enabled. Head to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off. Make sure the boxes next to ‘Virtual Machine Platform’ and ‘Windows Subsystem for Linux’ are checked, then click ‘OK’ to confirm. It will take some time to find the necessary files, then you will need to restart your device.

If you have already installed the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), you will need to uninstall it. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features and search for it. If nothing appears, it is not installed. Once everything is done, you are ready to continue:

1. Head to Settings > Privacy & Security > For Developers
2. Under “Developer mode”, click the toggle to enable it, then click “Yes” to confirm
   
3. Download the following 859MB file on x64 devices: WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_x64_Release-Nightly.zip. On ARM-based devices, use this link instead: WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_arm64_Release-Nightly
4. When done, head to the Downloads folder in File Explorer and locate the file. Select it and choose “Extract All” – it will take a few seconds

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

5. Select the extracted file and press Ctrl + C to copy
6. Open the C: drive in the left pane, then press Ctrl + V to paste it. The folder should appear under “Windows” in the list
7. In the pop-up window that appears, click “Continue” to provide administrator permission
8. Select the search bar next to the start menu and type “powershell”. From the options that appear on the right, choose “Run as administrator” and click “Yes” to confirm that you allow the changes.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

9. In the window that appears, click next to where it says “PS C:WINDOWSsystem32>” and paste the following: cd C:WSA-GApps-pico_2204.40000.20.0_x64_Release-Nightly
10. Press Enter, then paste the following: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass
11. Press Enter again, then type “A” and press Enter again
12. Then copy the following and hit enter – .Install.ps1

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

13. After a few seconds, you should see a message that says “Operation completed successfully.” Once processed, the Windows Subsystem for Android will start working and the Play Store will open automatically

However, you may have seen a message saying “VirtWifi has no internet access”. The Play Store won’t work without it, but Windows Defender Firewall blocks it. It’s not safe to completely disable the firewall, but you can make it the exception to the rule:

14. Using the search function next to the start menu, type “advanced security” and open “Windows Defender Firewall with advanced security”
15. At the bottom of the Overview section, click “Windows Defender Firewall Properties”

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

16. Next to “Protected Network Connections”, click “Customize…”

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

17. Uncheck the box next to ‘vEthernet (WSL)’ and click ‘OK’

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

16. Click ‘OK’ again to confirm

The Play Store will now work as expected. Just open it and sign in with your Google account, then you can download any app you like. Some will work better than others, but all can be pinned to the taskbar and are compatible with Windows 11 multitasking features.

A reader reported that the Amazon Appstore may be deleted in the process. To fix this issue, just reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store – you can use it with the Google Play Store side by side. In your Google Account, the device will appear as a Pixel 5, which may have a slight effect on the apps you can install. The vast majority will still be available, however.

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