“Android”, being a free platform, has several solutions for each individual function. The same statement is true for installing applications, which can be performed in a variety of different ways. How to install applications from a computer to Android is one of the first questions asked by the owners of the respective devices. In addition to using standard tools, you can use the installation using a computer. It is only important to know how to install applications on “Android” through a computer correctly.
Install applications using the Play Market website
One of the easiest and surest methods is to use the official Google Play website. If your device is tied to a Google account, then it will be enough to go to the Play Market website, enter your data and select the desired application. If your device is compatible with the application, it will be automatically downloaded and installed on your gadget (if it is connected to the network).
How to install applications from a computer to “Android” without using the Play Market
Such methods also exist. The simplest is the use of APK files. The disadvantage of this method is the need to use the gadget. You can find the application you need and even download it to your device, but you will have to install it already on the device or at least activate the utility to connect to the computer. There are tons of resources where APKs for popular programs are distributed. You only need to find the right one and download it to your phone.
This can be done both through the file system, connecting the phone to the computer, and wirelessly. In the second case, a utility called Air Droid will help. This product allows you to get full access to your phone, including file management. You can transfer all your APK files to your phone using Air Droid, and then install them on your device, bypassing Google Play. The program itself can recognize and install the APK, the main thing is that the devices are paired and SideLoad is turned on.
Sideload Enable
Another point worth considering is the need to enable SideLoad mode. By default, “Android” has protection against installing software not from Google Play. This was done in order to protect users from malware and "pirated" applications. SideLoad or “Installation from third-party sources” allows you to circumvent this ban. To do this, go to the settings of your gadget and in the "Applications" set the appropriate checkmark. After that, you will be free to decide for yourself which programs to trust and which not.
Installation Using ADB
Perhaps, for some reason, using the methods described above is not suitable. Or there is no desire to work with a third-party program like Air Droid, and the installation of the APK is necessary. Then you have to use a more complicated method.
First of all, you need a special tool, it is called Android Debugging Bridge. Before installing the application on “Android” from the computer, you will have to establish a connection between them. Download the android-tools.zip archive on the Web and unzip to drive C. You may need a driver to work with a specific device. If the utility did not work, visit the website of the manufacturer of your gadget and find information about debugging there. Turn on “USB debugging mode” on your device, and then launch the application.
Before starting the installation, enter the adb devices command , it will make sure that your device interacts correctly with the computer. Once you have completed all the preparatory procedures, you can begin to install applications. To do this, you need the adb install command and the path to the place on the disk where the apk file is located (for example, adb install our application.apk). If you need to install the application on a memory card, you should add the -s prefix to the command.
Testing applications on a computer, or “Android” application in Windows
We figured out how to install applications from a computer to “Android”. A lot of methods, each in its own way is good. Another question that arises among users: is it possible to install the Android application on a computer. The answer is yes. Often, users want to try out some kind of application before installation or in the case when the device does not support it. In this situation, the Android emulator will help. There are tons of programs for this. The most popular are BlueStacks and Andy.
BlueStacks has excellent gaming performance, so it is in demand among those who want to try out games from a mobile platform on their computer. The program also supports the installation of different versions of the system.
Andy is simpler both in technical terms and in terms of use. It works in automatic mode and emulates Android not bad, all services and applications work fine.
So before you install the application on “Android” from the computer, you can test it directly on it using one of the programs presented above.
At one's own risk
Google did not just come up with protection against installing the APK. The Internet is full of such files with embedded viruses, which makes their use quite dangerous. If you still have a question how to install applications from your computer to “Android”, make sure that the APK file that you plan to install does not contain malicious code. Choose proven resources and do not be too lazy to turn on the antivirus once again.