Here's How Windows 10 Users Can Run Android Apps On Their Computers

Microsoft is rolling out an update to Windows 10 that will allow users to open and use their Android smartphone's apps on their computers. The feature is currently available for Windows Insiders only and will require users to be using certain smartphone models running on certain Android versions.

Microsoft revealed in a blog post that the Windows 10 update includes an update to the Your Phone app that allows Windows PCs to connect and work with Android smartphones. Those who watched Samsung's Unpacked event earlier this month will remember this app was used to open Android apps in a separate window on a Windows 10 computer, ZDNet reported.

The Your Phone app grants eligible users the ability to do on their Windows 10 computers what they normally do on their smartphones. This means sending and receiving messages, checking Facebook and Instagram feeds, even playing mobile games, on a larger screen with the help of a keyboard, mouse/trackpad and more.

“So, whether you need to quickly reply to a conversation, respond to your social posts, or order food, you can do it fast using your PC’s large screen, keyboard, mouse, pen and touch screen alongside your other PC apps,” the Microsoft statement read.

In addition, the Your Phone app also lets Windows 10 users pin their frequently used smartphone apps to the Start menu and Taskbar on their computer. This means users will find it easier to access the apps they need without having to reach for their handsets.

The new feature does have its limitations. It requires Windows computers to be running on the Windows 10 October 2018 update. Users would also need the Your Phone app (build 1.20071.88) and Link to Windows (2.0).

Those who wish to use the feature will also need to have a smartphone with support for Link to Windows. This includes a Samsung Galaxy S- or A-series smartphone running on Android 9.0 and newer. Other Samsung devices that can be used are the Galaxy Note 10 and newer, Galaxy XCover Pro and Galaxy Z Flip models.

The complete list of supported smartphones can be accessed here.

Lastly, both the Windows PC and the smartphone should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This means users won't be able to use the feature unless both devices are in close proximity to one another.