How to Install APK Files from a PC on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to install an Android app from an APK file using a Windows PC.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Allowing APK Installation

  1. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 1
    1
    Open your Android’s Settings. It’s the
    Image titled Android7settingsapp.png
    icon typically found in the app drawer.
  2. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 2
    2
    Scroll down and tap Security.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 3
    3
    Slide the “Unknown sources” switch to the
    Image titled Android7switchon.png
    position.     You should find this switch under the “Device administration” header. As long as this switch is on, you’ll be able to install apps from APK files.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Installing the App

  1. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 4
    1
    Download the APK file to your PC. You can save it to the desktop or any other folder on your computer.
  2. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 5
    2
    Connect your Android to the PC using a USB cable. If you don’t have the cable that came with your Android, you can use any compatible cable.
  3. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 6
    3
    Tap the USB for… notification on your Android. A list of options will appear.[1]
  4. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 7
    4
    Tap Transfer files on your Android.
  5. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 8
    5
    Navigate to the APK file on the computer. To do this, open the folder where you downloaded the file.
  6. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 9
    6
    Right-click the APK file.
  7. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 10
    7
    Click Send to.
  8. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 11
    8
    Select your Android. The name will vary by manufacturer and model, but it should be near the bottom of the list. The APK file will transfer to your Android.
  9. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 12
    9
    Open your Android’s file manager. It’s usually called My Files, Files, or File Browser, and you’ll typically find it in the app drawer.
    • If you don’t see a file manager, tap the Downloads app in the app drawer, tap ☰, then select your storage location.
    • If you don’t have either of these options, you can download a free file manager from the Play Store, such as ES File Explorer.
  10. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 13
    10
    Locate the APK file. If you have an external SD card in your Android, it may be located in “External Storage.”
  11. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 14
    11
    Tap the APK file. A confirmation message will appear, asking if you really want to install the file.
  12. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 15
    12
    Tap INSTALL. It’s at the bottom-right corner of the screen. The app will now install on your Android. When the installation is complete, a confirmation message will appear.
  13. Image titled Install APK Files from a PC on Android Step 16
    13
    Tap DONE. Your new app is now ready to use.
    14. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I erase the APK file after installation is complete?
    Verin
    Verin
    Top Answerer
    Yes, simply go into My Files and delete it just like you would any other file.
  • Question
    How do I install APK files from Android on a PC?
    ARS_AKHIL
    ARS_AKHIL
    Community Answer
    APK files are files that are meant to be executed on the Android platform, so to use such files on PC requires an Android emulator. You can find a lot of Android emulators online, Bluestack being a popular one.
  • Question
    Can't I send an installed version?
    Anis13
    Anis13
    Community Answer
    No. You must fully install it from your Android device. That is the only possible way.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Download an APK File from the Google Play Store
How to
Download an APK File from the Google Play Store
Hide Apps on Android
How to
Hide Apps on Android
Change Tip on DoordashTwo Ways to Change Your Tip on DoorDash
Get in App Purchases for Free (Android)
How to
Get in App Purchases for Free (Android)
Disable Voicemail on Android
How to
Disable Voicemail on Android
Import Contacts from Excel to an Android Phone
How to
Import Contacts from Excel to an Android Phone
Use an Android IR Blaster8 Quick & Easy Steps to Using an IR Blaster on an Android
Know Chat ID on Telegram on Android
How to
Know Chat ID on Telegram on Android
Save Photos on Telegram on Android
How to
Save Photos on Telegram on Android
Hide the Notification Bar on Android
How to
Hide the Notification Bar on Android
Use Lucky Patcher on Android
How to
Use Lucky Patcher on Android
View Who Is Connected to Your Hotspot on Android
How to
View Who Is Connected to Your Hotspot on Android
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/2840804?hl=en

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 220,914 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 6
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 220,914
Categories: File Sharing | Android Applications
Advertisement