How To Install an APK on Windows PC Using BlueStacks

You want to install your favorite Android app on BlueStacks, but it is not available on Google Play for some reason? In that case, BlueStacks allows you to install any app that runs on Android, as long as you’ve got the app’s APK. And with so many third-party sources offering ready-to-install APK files, nothing should stop you from enjoying your favorite games and apps, even if you don’t have a mobile device to run them.

This article will show you how to install APK on BlueStacks and set you up nicely for an Android experience on your PC.

How to Install an APK

BlueStacks is a tool for installing Android applications to your PC so you can take advantage of your computer’s larger screen, faster processor, and better graphics.

It helps you play Android games or use Android apps without having to buy an Android mobile device, bringing the power of Google Play right onto your desktop.

With this emulator, you can access all Google Play services. That includes millions of Android apps, eBooks, games, and magazines.

But what if you can’t access Google Play directly? That’s where APK files come in.

APK stands for Android Package Kit. It’s the file format used to distribute and install application software onto Google’s Android operating system.

Unlike the Google Play version of an app, an APK file can be downloaded from trustworthy third-party platforms and installed on BlueStacks or Android devices.

APK files come with several benefits:

1- They enable you to install earlier versions of an app. While Google Play only allows Android users to install the latest version of an app, third-party sources enable you to dive into the archives and install older versions.

2- They can help you install and use the beta version of an app that’s been leaked ahead of its official release. This is quite common in the gaming world.

3- You’re able to get around Google Play geographical restrictions that make certain apps unavailable depending on your location.

The steps to install APK files on BlueStacks vary according to the version you’re using.

First, let’s see how to install APK on BlueStacks 4.230 and below.

How to Install an APK on BlueStacks 4.230 or Earlier

If you prefer to run your Android apps on BlueStacks version 4.230 or earlier, here’s how you can install the APK files of any app of your choice:

1. Download the APK file from a credible and trustworthy third-party website.
2. Open your BlueStacks player and navigate to “My Games.”
3. Click on the three vertical bars next to “Personalize.” You should see a list of options allowing you to adjust icon size, change your wallpaper, and install APK.
4. Select “Install APK” to open Windows Explorer, where you can navigate to the folder containing your APK file.
5. Once you find the app, select it and click on “Open” at the bottom of the Explorer window. At this point, the app should begin installing on BlueStacks. You can then launch it from the “My Games” tab.

How to Install an APK on BlueStacks 4.240 or Later

Although versions 4.230 and 4.240 do have a lot in common, the steps to install APK files are a bit different.

Here’s how to go about it when using version 4.240 or later:

1. Download the APK file from a credible and trustworthy third-party website.
2. Launch BlueStacks on your computer.
3. Click on the “Install APK” tab in the sidebar on your right, or press the Ctrl + Shift + B keys simultaneously. This should open a Windows Explorer popup where you can navigate to the folder containing the APK you’d like to install.
4. Once you’ve located the file, select it and then click on “Open.”
5. The app should begin installing on BlueStacks and get sent to the “My Games” section.

How to Install an APK on BlueStacks 5

As the latest version, BlueStacks 5 offers Android lovers the smoothest and most efficient gaming performance. However, your computer must have at least 4GB of RAM and 5GB free disk space.

There are two ways of installing APK files on BlueStacks 5:

The Drag & Drop Method

1. Download the APK file from a credible and trustworthy third-party website.
2. Launch BlueStacks on your computer.
3. Navigate to the APK folder location.
4. Drag and drop the file into the BlueStacks home screen to begin the installation process.

After installing successfully, you can open the app from the BlueStacks 5 home screen.

The Windows Explorer Method

1. Download the APK file of the app you’d like to install.
2. Click on the “Install APK” tab from the Side toolbar. This should open a Windows Explorer popup to allow you to select the file you’d like installed.
3. Once you’ve located the APK, select it and click on “Open” to begin the installation process.

After installation, you should see the app’s icon on the BlueStacks home screen.