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Sideloading apps on Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11
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Sideloading_apps_in_WSA.md

Sideloading APKs in to Windows Subsystem for Android

Update (9th July, 2022): An app is available that does just this.

Check out WSATools by Simone Franco: https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9N4P75DXL6FG

Setting up ADB to work with WSA

  • Launch Windows Subsystem for Android.
  • Here, enable Developer mode then tap on Manage developer settings.
  • Use your left mousebutton to scroll down until you find Wireless debugging. Tap to open it and enable it.
  • Tap on Pair device with pairing code.
  • Take note of Wi-Fi pairing code, and IP address and port.
  • Launch Windows Terminal and make sure ADB is installed (install ADB).
  • Use command adb pair <IP:port> to pair ADB with WSA.
  • In Wireless debugging window, see Device name and under it IP address and port.
  • Use command adb connect <IP:port> to connect WSA with ADB.

Once this is done, use command adb devices to make sure that WSA is connected.

Installing APKs using ADB

Now you can install any app you want, but I personally suggest installing a web browser and a file manager first. Here's the direct download link to the latest Bromite x64 build.

  • Download the APK.
  • Open File Explorer, right click on downloaded APK and tap on Copy as path.
  • Launch Windows Terminal.
  • Use adb install <file path> to install the APK.
    [P.S. You can right click to paste in Terminal]
  • Repeat this process for a file manager app. I recommend using MiX, you can use what you want.

After installation using ADB

You can now open the web browser you installed in Android, and download and install Aurora Store like you do on any Android device - normally sideloading APK without using ADB.

 

A list of suggested apps to install on WSA:

  • microG: A free-as-in-freedom re-implementation of Google’s proprietary Android user space apps and libraries.
  • Aurora Store: an app store that lets you download apps from Google Play without a Google account.
  • MiX: MiXplorer mix of explorers (SD, FTP, Lan, Cloud and other storage explorers) is a fast, smooth, beautiful, reliable and full-featured file manager with a simple and intuitive user interface.
  • Bromite: A Chromium fork with support for ad blocking and enhanced privacy.
@bigplayer-ai
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Wireless debugging is not being activated.
Another question unrelated to the problem, After I install android application on my windows, Can I auto update it?

@VoetbalKijk
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I am having the same issue as Puyodead1. I can't enable wireless debugging. I am using VMWare on which I am running Windows 11.

Same here. Wifi is connected so the criteria is met. About half the time when I press the button for Wireless debugging, I see text flash the go away: WirelessDebugging

Same here for me.

Same on the real hardware for me

@upintheairsheep
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Just use the command

adb connect IP_ADDRESS

and then you'll see a dialog, accept the connection that's it

Does this work on a remote machine

@dipo1
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dipo1 commented Jan 18, 2024

adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526 works for me

@samrand96
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Those that can not enable Wireless Debuggin they need to Enable NAT or Local Access Network (WSA -> Advanced settings -> Experimental features -> Tick Local Access Network) or you dont even need that just do adb connect 127.0.0.1:58526

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