Do you want to run Android OS on your PC? Whether you need it for testing apps, gaming, or just for fun, this guide will show you how to install and use Android OS on your computer. Learn about the best Android OS for PC options and how to set up them easily.
These operating systems can be downloaded in ISO format system image, allowing you to easily create a bootable USB and boot directly from USB without having to install it on a hard disc (though you can install it on a hard drive if you want). After the drill-down list of the best Android OS forks, we discussed other options to install or simulate an Android environment on a computer.
There are multiple reasons for running Android on a computer.
- Running Android apps and games on computers is fascinating.
- Android OS boots faster compared to Windows on old machines.
- You can WhatsApp your friends, and run a native VPN app, which is hard on Windows devices.
Android OS for PC list in 2023
You can use these Android OS to bring all your favorite Android games and apps to your computer. You’ve many options to run Android OS on your PC. Android is popular with millions of mobile users worldwide, installing and using Android on a computer is also possible, but how?
Natively installing android on your computer allows games and apps to run butter smooth and without any fuss. You can run the Android operating system for both 32-bit and 64-bit machines. We understand that by now you should have received enough information about the Android operating system on computers. You can now you can easily decide which Android operating system you can install on your computer. If you know of any Android device for PC we are looking forward to hearing from you as well.
| AndroidOS fork | Android Version | Release date | Maintained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Subsystem | 13 | 2023 | Yes |
| Androidx86 | 9 | 2020 | No (Manual) |
| Bliss OS | 13, 12L and 11 | 2022 | Yes |
| FydeOS | Chrome OS RC 120 | 2024 | Yes |
| OpenThos | ? | ? | No |
| Phoenix OS | 7 and 5 | 2021 | No |
| Prime OS | Android 7 and 11 | 2022 | No |
RELATED: read android os comparison here.
1. Windows 11’s Android 13 Subsystem
Guide: Setup Android Subsystem on Windows 11
You don’t need to install a whole Android operating system when running Windows 11. When your hardware is Windows 11 compatible you can easily run Android apps. Thanks to a new update from Microsoft, the Android Subsystem is updated to Android 13. Users with a stable Windows 11 version will get the stable Android 11 Android subsystem. We have a dedicated guide to help you get started with Android apps on your Windows 11, check that as well.
2. FydeOS – (Recommended)
Chrome OS fork that runs Android Apps just fine. 64-bit only.
- Download FydeOS (Version 16)
- Use Etcher tool to make a bootable USB.
FydeOS is based on a chromium fork to run on Intel computers. You can easily download and sideload Android apps. Despite that, you won’t find the play store as it was mainly focused on the Chinese market where Google services are banned. Sideloading Apps and using a third-party app store is possible.
Since the last time we checked, it made lots of progress and booted quickly. Sadly 32-bit machine owners won’t be able to boot this operating system. You can choose a Google Account to log in to sync your Chrome Browser data. Installing Android apps is a pure breeze experience. You need to open “Android App” from the shelf (app drawer) and then it asks for an agreement; on accepting you can download Android apps [.apk] files and open them to install.
3. Phoenix OS – for everyone
Download Phoenix OS | Android 7 Dual boot guide, persistence USB
- Download Phoenix OS 64-bit
- Download Phoenix OS 32-bit (uploading soon)
Phoenix OS was released shortly after the publication of the Remix OS. At the time it went popular, especially because it was the only Android operating system to work on 32-bit machines. PhoenixOS is a great Android operating system, which is probably because of its features and interface similarities to the remix operating system.
Both 32-bit and 64-bit computers are supported, but the newer version of Phoenix OS is only x64 architecture supported. Based on the Android x86 project, which powers other forks as well. It has many good features if you want to play games like PUBG Mobile. The Phoenix OS installer makes it easier to install the operating system on your hard drive/USB drive. This is the only Android x-86 fork that currently offering updates and hopefully, they will continue to do so in the future. This is one Android operating system for the computer which is based on Android 7. The downside is annoying ads and built-in apps.
4. Android-x86 project
Download Android-x86 | Android 9 / Android 11 manual build
Android x86 was (?) the project to port AOSP-Android for x86 machines. The project plays a very significant role in all the mentioned Android operating systems. If you want a lightweight Android operating system without customization, install the Android OS build from here. You’ll get the same key features and interface seen on a real Android smartphone.
If you lack good computer hardware you can test the KitKat/Marshmallow x86 build which is a 350+MB image file you can burn into a USB to create bootable media. After, simply boot and use the Android OS. Also, android-x86 ports of Android Lollipop and Marshmallow you can use on computers with moderate hardware. For some reason, the project is floating in ice and we haven’t seen any major update in recent years.
Note: For most users, the 64-bit version should just work fine, people with a single onboard processor can use the x86_64 build. After Android 9 there isn’t a new release, perhaps it’s discontinued.
5. Ubuntu Web
Download Ubuntu Web (down) Use Waydroid-Linux instead, same approach.
Yes Ubuntu with Android App support. It makes the use of WayAndroid (listed #7) support on top of much popular Ubuntu. That’s because most Linux distributions are minimal and uses resources when necessary.
- Ubuntu Web 20.04.4 has been released.
- It includes a new Brave variant with better PWA support and more privacy-related features.
- It also includes WayDroid, which allows you to run Android apps on Ubuntu Web.
- WayDroid is quite stable, but you may need to restart it if you encounter any issues.
- Nvidia GPUs are not supported by WayDroid, so you will need to use the iGPU or software rendering if you have an Nvidia GPU.
- WayDroid does not work on live sessions at the moment.
Here are some additional details from the blog post:
- The new Brave variant is based on the Brave Browser 1.44.10.
- WayDroid is a new popular Anbox alternative for running Android apps.
- /e/ is a privacy-focused mobile operating system based on Android.
- The /e/ on WayDroid tool is available in the Ubuntu Web ISO.
- You can find more information about how to install and use WayDroid on the Ubuntu Web website.
I hope this summary is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
6. Bliss OS – latest x86 fork
Learn how to dual boot Bliss OS with Windows
BlissOS is purely the best Android OS for PC with few modifications like the taskbar and system stability. You can also launch apps in Windowed mode rather than the full-screen which helps open two or more apps side by side. A note about Openthos and Bliss OS: When testing both OS failed to boot over UEFI firmware, they run successfully when the Legacy mode was turned on from the BIOS settings. So if you have a computer with only UEFI firmware you maybe not be able to boot both of the Android Operating systems from a bootable media device.
But if you insist and like to test them you can use virtual machine software to run them on the operating system you are using. Some modern computers might have support for Legacy mode, but you need to enable it from the BIOS settings. So technically if you are running on Windows 8 or newer your computer probably has support for UEFI firmware you might face problems booting these two so check in your BIOS settings if you can find Legacy mode and enable it.
People who care less about highly modified Android OS under a Windows look-alike skin but still want some usability features should try this.
7. Waydroid
An approach to boot a full Android System on Linux (Ubuntu and like)
Remember you can also use the prebuild system image of Waydroid as well as can install it on many other Linux OS, instructions are given for Arch, Postmarket, Mobian, Zorin, Sailfish OS, Fedora, Kiss, Void, PopOS, and other Ubuntu/Debian forks.
Don’t get too excited since it’s more of a command line system, installing apk files required some command strokes here and there. But once you install an app market (F-Droid) you can install Apps with GUI.
8. Prime OS (Not recommended)
- Download PrimeOS (external link)
- Dual boot PrimeOS (Quickfever article)
based on Android 7
We Don’t recommend this: The PrimeOS version 2 is an overhaul based on Android 11 and this time we don’t appreciate it, you may encounter bugged interface, and the website forces you to click on partnered programs links. We initially thought to remove this from our list of best Android OS for PC but later decided to leave it here.
9. OpenThos
Download OpenThos / Project abandoned and unknown status ❓
Openthos is new, and it supports Android apps and Linux apps in multi-windows. For this to run your computer’s CPU should be 64-bit architecture. Getting the ISO file of this operating system was a tedious task itself. First, you have to go through the link and enter the password, and later you need Baidu client software where you need to create an account (which is also problematic because everything is in Chinese) then you download the operating system image.
Moreover, tested in the Legacy mode as it failed to boot in UEFI mode. If you want to test putting an Android OS on your computer, you may probably want Phoenix OS or something near stock i.e. Android x86. OpenThos specs are good on paper but still, it has not achieved a great user experience just yet.
10. Remix OS (Dead)
- Download the old Remix OS & review
[Marshmallow, discontinued] Remix OS — the first best Android operating system is released in 2016 by Jide. It was the discussion topic because of its similarities to Windows 10: the taskbar, notification system, etc. Remix OS supports both 32-bit and 64-bit computer architecture and can be easily installed whether the PC is UEFI-based or Legacy. If you want a great Android operating system, then Remix OS will work best. For starters, you have to make a bootable USB remix OS so you can directly boot and run on a computer. Then if you wish to keep running it from USB, you can do so by creating a persistent USB that will allow running this Android operating system from a USB drive. Otherwise installing it on the hard disk is a better option when you solely want to have this as your primary operating system.
Remix OS was probably the greatest Android OS until it was pulled off and discontinued. You can still use this operating system by downloading its system image, but you need to know that you will be using a system released back in 2016 with no future updates.
11. Android 5 and 6 (android x86)
Android 5.1 for x86 fork: download and Android 6 download
If you have limited resources try the Android lollipop or marshmallow forks of the Android-x86 project. Android Lollipop is known to be the best fork available for x86 machines and popular Android emulators like LDPlayer run on version 5.1. To boot Android version 5 Android OS fork on your computer, download the appropriate ISO file using the links below and use Rufus to create bootable media.
12. Emulator; LDPlayer
Gaming Android Emulator for PC | Android Emulator
12. Virtual Machines
Virtual Machines are much like emulators as they help you test any Android operating system in a simulated environment. You control resources like CPU and RAM to allow. For instance, you can select how much RAM and disk space to assign along with the CPU cores. VirtualBox and VMWare are some favorite free Virtual Machines. It is always good to test and operate systems for you to use on your computer too quickly to know if you’re good to go with it.
Starting with a virtual machine is quite easy, first, download any of the Android OS ISO and save it on your computer. Open up your favorite Virtual Machine software and create a new environment and select the ISO image as a boot image. Please understand that installing an Android operating system on a virtual machine is not the best idea if plan to do intense tasks including Gaming.
Also, PUBG mobile players with emulators deal with game lag, and screen tearing so it’ll be super awesome if you play these games on the Android operating system. Emulators only take a percentage of computer resources and won’t be able to give you a smooth Android experience.
Frequently asked questions
1. Which Android OS for PC is best?
Now that you have options available for Android operating system for computer you need to figure out which features you want and your preference only then you can figure out which one you want from the list of Android operating systems given.
2. Can I install Android OS in PC?
Yes, you can install Android OS on your computer, the available options are using a bootable USB disk, but you can also use a virtual machine to install any of the Android Operating systems.
3. Which Android OS is 64bit?
Currently major Android OS forks comes only in 64-bit and we’ve tested many of them, Phoenix OS and Android-x86 are good in terms of stability, BlissOS is another good competitor in this segment.
4. Is Bliss OS for gaming?
Yes, Bliss OS can be regarded as one of the best Android OS for low-end PCs, so if you like to play Android games you want t to avoid it this operating system sensor is not gaming oriented.
5. Which is better Android-x86 or PrimeOS?
When comparing Android-x86 vs PrimeOS, we strongly believe that with the Android -86 project you will not regret anything since it is pure Android. On the other hand, Prime OS is a heavily modified fork of the same project.
Summing it up
Android OS on your computer is still fancy for many users, as they are hardwired to believe that Apple and Microsoft are the only ones building Operating systems for their computers. Boundaries and learn something new by installing Android on your computer. Choose any operating system from our list of the best Android OS for PC and you will not regret having the ability to run Android on your old laptop or computer.
a bit out of touch i think PRIME OS run well on dell laptops as main os ( no windows 11 an constant updates) been using it for a while to use prime video never had a problem , try it as main os instead of duel boot or bootable drive you may have to change yourmind by the way also on hp 8011 sf as im using it here
Nice post.
I’m looking forward to the next Android OS for PC.
Test
Okey i got it
I have an old acer one aspire AOD150 netbook that I’m going to try to install fyde os on. The processor is super old though so I”m not sure it will work. It’s got an intel Atom i686, with it being 32 bit I may run into a lack of compatibility. I had this old netbook collecting dust in old electronic stuff I just can’t seem to throw away and my daughter was wanting a chromebook for middle school. Figured I’d give a shot converting this old netbook into a chromebook. I managed to get Cub Linux up and running on it but I don’t love the OS. Anyone have any insight? Besides to toss the netbook in the trash, quit being a miser, and purchase my kid a decent chromebook for sub $300
Did you try Chrome OS flex, I’ve used the abandoned CubLinux it was good. Don’t buy a Chromebook machine those are literally trash, buy any laptop that has an i3-10th+ generation that’ll be more than enough to turn that into Chromebook.
okey i got it now
Is Prime os official site dead? I can’t visit the site now.
The one thing everyone needs to know about Phoenix OS is that while it installs easily, and runs almost flawlessly, the major issue is that when your loading apps, after about 10 or 15 apps (sorry I can’t remember exactly) you can no longer install anymore apps until you track down the Chinese guy who put Phoenix OS together and PAY him. I don’t even know what the fee is, what I do know is that most of what Phoenix is owes a huge debt to the X86 project and that’s an open source project. I could be totally wrong about this but charging for work done by the open source x86 project to me seems a bit unethical. I deleted Phoenix because of my feelings about the charge.
Please what android os can I try I’m running a core 2 duo with 2gb of ram and ati radeon hd 3650. I tried phoenix os but it was stuck at 86_64:/# while booting
These Android OS doesn’t work well with Graphics Card.
It’s a good article. Prime, Lineage, Bliss and Phoenix, and even the vanilla Android-x86 are all good.
I’ve tried phoenix, bliss, and Prime but no matter which system i use in the end, whether is boots or not, i never have any sound. it can’t be all the os, it has to be me, anyone have any idea on why I can’t get sound out of any version of android??
Thanks
Krissy
It’s a hardware-level issue, these Android maybe don’t have drivers for your system, or their audio generic driver fails to work.
You’re probably right but it’s beyond frustrating. I do allot of streaming and even the Nvidia shield can’t hold a candle to a PC that’s running Android. Oh well I’ll keep looking
Krissy
DARK MATTER IS A REALLY GOOD ANDROID OS FOR PC TOO. PROLLY THE MOST CUSTOMISABLE OUT RIGHT NOW. ALSO POINTED AT GAMERS. WORKS WITH GEARLOCK AND ALL KINDS OF STUFF. Is based off Andx86 project. PERSONALLY IM AN ANDROIDx86 project * fan. Their stuff is ALWAYS ON POINT, BUT ID HAVE TO SAY IT BE Andx86
Bliss
Dark Matter
Pheonix.
I need a solid 32 bit uf for a dell latitude st2 tablet. I cant seem to get any android on there. But i see it online ppl doing it. Has an intel atom if anybody knows.
I HAVE INSTALLED PHOENIX OS BUT ERROR SHOWS ” MINIMUM BASH LIKE LINE IS SUPPORTED.. BLA BLA BLA. PLEASE HELP ME PLAY PUBG IN MY LAPTOP . THAT’S IT.
MY RAM: 2GB, INTEL CORE I3 PROCESSOR, @1.90 GHZ, 64 BIT, SONY VAIO.
IF ANYONE IS THAT INTELLIGENT ENOUGH COULD U PLS SEND ME THA LINKS OF MY SOLUTION RATHER THAN SAYING BLA BLA AND NOT WORKING ACTUALLY. MY EMAIL ID : sangam21giri@gmail.com
REGARDS !
Yes we do support it, it’d be great if they push a public version of the PrimeOS.
can someone suggest me the best andriod OS for gaming ? , i currently have android x86 os installed , and it does not open high grahpics games like asphalt 8 and bilitz brigade , so i wanted to try out bliss OS?
You should try Phoenix OS, Bliss OS is like the Stock Androidx86 with nav and multi-tasking feature.
Tro prime OS
It is specifically designed for gaming
Hello Devandra,
which version of android shall I install in packard bell easynote entg81ba ?
I have tried different version of
linux, Centos 7, redhat 7 ubuntu 16.4 but to not avail. I would like to try android. ( processor is N3050 celeron apparently that family of processor are not supported.)
Its a try-to-know process. Try either Marshmallow or Kitkat x86_64 buils that might work.
(apologizing for relying late)
The thing you should be looking is ” x86_64 ” android port that may support single board computer. However, I am unsure if that will work. How about you test and let me know. 🙂
Example ISO you’ll need: android-x86_64-6.0-r3.iso
installed 4 OS on my notebook : Win, Ubuntu, Remix, Phoenix
Remix to play certain game that can’t be played on Phoenix nor x86 after some tweaking for it’s root
this game can’t be played on Phoenix/x86 because their virtual debug console (the alt+f1) can’t be deactivated like remix
currently about to try BlissOS
Tried Remix OS Player
the app said it’s not supporting non Intel processor, mine AMD
Nox kinda bloatware if You don’t prepare some disk space for it
I see blisspop is amd CPU compatible, you can try that. Or I’d suggest run an older android-86 build like lollipop.
There’s no such thing as CUP’s! It’s CPU(Central Processing Unit), acronyms have purpose, so you should check your spelling before assuming intelligent people would know what you mean by CUP!
Also, AMD should be spelled in all caps, that how the logo appears as itself, but even AMD is an acronym, Advanced Micro Devices, same as the file format JPEG(not JPG), it’s Joint Photographic Experts Group, which is why I fix every file extension with JPEG, except for PNG, BMP and TIFF!
And I learned all this and more working under-the-counter at a PC store in Green Hills(Nashville), TN from Sept. 2009 till 2010 and at Nossi College of Art back in 2005 to 2008!
What’s your point. These “thinsg” are called typos. Ohh
Do u get any reward, grammar Nazi? Jeez chill out, we all get it. amd or AMD, those are just typo. U need to socialize more
When you write “u”, it’s not very likely it’s a typo. English is not my language, but I do my best to write and speak correctly.
Yes, by the way “thinsg” is just a typo, “u” is not.
Is openThose English too or only Chinese?
It have English system image as well.
I have question…
Is NOX player also bootable? like Uh, Remix OS.
Unfortunately no, NOX is an android emulator works on Windows OS. But why don’t you use Phoenix OS, good android OS. 🙂
No it is a emulator not OS
In the past I have installed Remix OS in mi PC with AMD procesor and it worked, try it maybe it works.
My Amd processor not support any Android os
awwww, that’s bad.