Program for installing games on android. How to open an APK file on a computer

When buying any device with this OS, the question arises of the need to complete it with a number of applications necessary for full-fledged work and entertainment. Therefore, it is important to know how to install programs on Android. Moreover, their choice is huge, which distinguishes this operating system from others. In addition, applications of not only the native developer company, but also all others can successfully work on this OS. The only need is to know the rules for their installation, common to all.

general information

There are several main installation methods, each of which, of course, has its own characteristics. But any user will master them without any problems, since they are all quite simple. If you learn these basics, then the question of how to install programs on Android will not exist for you. You can easily install both the simplest utility and a very serious application with many functions.

How can you recognize an application for Android among others? It doesn't get easier. Absolutely all file packages have the .apk extension. What does it mean? These are several zipped files that provide the installation of the utility we need. With the help of any archiver, you can always view the contents of the file of interest to us. Now let's take a quick look at these installation methods.

With the help of the Play Market

This is probably the most affordable, easiest and fastest way to solve the issue of how to install programs on Android. No special, special knowledge is needed and no need to look for ways to install this utility. It is initially available on most smartphones of the latest models. What needs to be done? Decide on the Play Market with the choice of the necessary program and just click on the “Install” button. Everything else will happen with almost no user interaction.

Unless you have to accept the terms of the license agreement. This is a very convenient way, which also allows you to track the appearance of updates for installed software. This option has only one drawback: if you like to constantly download new applications, you can go broke on paying for Internet traffic. You will have to use a Wi-Fi connection.

Installing programs from a memory card

Thanks to this method, you can just save a lot of traffic. So how to install programs on Android using memory cards? After all, before something can be launched, it must somehow appear there. In our case, this is a file manager that needs to be downloaded from the Web and activated. Next, download the program we like and save it on your personal computer. The next step is to move this file to the smartphone.

The easiest way to do this is with a USB cable. After that, we specify the path to it in the file manager. It remains to do the simplest. Select the desired file, give the manager a command to install it. Our smart utility will do the rest. All such applications work on the same principle.

Installation using the built-in browser, as well as Gmail

Here we will not consider the option of using the built-in explorer. And we do the following. We create a directory in the memory card with the file name and the apk extension we already know. Then open the browser built into the smartphone. Specify the path to this file directly in the address bar. Press the Enter button, and the desired application will automatically begin to install. That is, we completely managed without a guide. You just need to remember that this method does not automatically update utilities.

You can install the best programs for Android, and not only them, gracefully and simply using Gmail, since this program is able to recognize the apk format. To implement this method, send the required file to your Gmail mail. Then open the letter and click the install button. And, as usual, the application will be installed on the device automatically.

Installing Third Party Applications

There are also cases when the application you need is simply not available on Google Play or the Play Market. And for whatever reason, you can't do without it. For example, certain Russian programs for Android were needed. What to do in this case? There is nothing particularly difficult in such a situation. First you need to allow your device to install software from unknown sources. In the “Security” section, find such an item and tick it. We find the desired utility and download it to a smartphone or personal computer.

The only thing we recommend is to use only trusted sources for this, since there is a possibility of downloading software infected with viruses. When downloading a file to your smartphone, look for it in “Downloads”, click on it and start the installation. The computer is a little more difficult. We copy the necessary utility to the mobile device, and there we already launch it using the file manager.

What are the best programs for “ Android”

As we have already said, this operating system is the most popular and has already received a really huge number of a wide variety of applications throughout its existence. The best programs for Android are those that most users have. After all, this is precisely the sign of popularity. Such software is constantly discussed, and users make their wishes and suggestions to developers.

As a result, such utilities are constantly improving and becoming even more popular. Now we will talk about some of them. By the way, only rather complex software is considered, which, despite being developed for Android, very often meets the requirements for the desktop version of a personal computer. Especially related to information security and data security. So what are the best apps for Android?

ROM Manager and System Tuner

It is the first program that heads our list. It allows you to restore the current, current version of the firmware, as well as create backups. Thanks to its use, not only the safety of data is ensured, but you can also study aspects of the operation of the Android OS. The good thing about ROM Manager is that changing the firmware is very easy, and in case of any failure in the process, it is very easy to restore the version installed before. Also, using this utility, partition the SD card or install the firmware directly from it.

When choosing the best programs for Android, pay attention to System Tuner, the most convenient task manager. In addition to standard functions, it allows the user to select applications for automatic launch, monitor how RAM is being used, and also helps to configure / adjust the frequency of the processor. In addition, thanks to System Tuner, you can assign a convenient memory card cache size, customize applications and move them around the system. By the way, these, like many others, programs for Android are provided for free, which is important for some users.

Readers for Android

Smartphones have developed special programs designed to read documents in the following formats: ePub, FB2, DOC, djvu, PDF. One of the best readers is the Google Play application, which has an intuitive interface that allows the user to master it very quickly. Well-known and such a program for reading on "Android" as Cool Reader. With its help, you can successfully overcome almost any format of books on a tablet or smartphone. With each update, something is sure to be added to make the reading process more comfortable, regardless of the amount of information. View any office documents will also help "Android".

Programs in Russian, such as, for example, Kingsoft Office and OfficeSuite Pro, will provide convenient work both on a smartphone with a small screen and on a tablet with a relatively wide HD display. They support more than two dozen different formats such as ZIP, EML, PDF, PPSM, PPTM, PPSX, PPS, PPTX, PPT, CSV, XLSM, XLSX, XLS, TXT, RTF, DOCM, DOCX, DOC and others. In addition, all these applications are absolutely free, and in terms of functionality they do not differ much from paid ones. The same applies to the program for reading pdf-files on Android - Adobe Reader. Using this utility, you can add comments to documents, synchronize them with other devices, send them to a printer, etc.

Using "Android" as a cracker

The devices we are considering with the most common OS can, like a personal computer, be used as a password cracker for Wi-Fi networks, social network accounts, and much more. For this purpose, there are special programs for hacking on Android. Take for example Wibr + - a utility for connecting to other people's Wi-Fi routers. It is very popular among hackers. But when downloading such an application, be prepared to run into a fake, of which there are a lot, and they are mostly designed for inexperienced users. They can also harm your device.

But some utilities, like Wibr+, can actually help you connect to a poorly secured Wi-Fi network. It is this application that serves as an excellent proof of the possibility of hacking from a regular smartphone and without special professional knowledge. The essence of the work of this cracker is to select the correct password. He will not cope with complex ones, but relatively weak ones are tough for him. However, it is worth remembering that such actions are not only immoral, but also illegal.

Download Master - program for downloading files

In each device, in principle, a file loader is initially installed. But, as often happens, it is not very convenient, not very functional. And many users prefer to install a program for downloading their own, favorite and familiar.

A lot of people liked Download Master - a convenient and powerful tool with which you can not only increase the speed of downloading files, but also resume those that were interrupted, manage (and very efficiently) downloaded files. Also, this manager allows you to download and save videos from RuTube, Google Video, Rambler Vision, YouTube and other similar services. Integrates with all existing browsers, has its own scheduler, search for downloaded files, built-in FTP Explorer and much more.

In 2008, Google opened an online app store for Android. All you need to use it is a Gmail account and internet access. Meanwhile, there are other ways, and today we will talk about how to install the application on Android from a computer.

Web version of Google

You can use Google Play not only from a mobile device. By registering under your account, you can enter it through a computer. All the programs hosted in it are available in the web interface of the store, and the Good Corporation will automatically check compatibility with your devices. Using the search, select the application of interest and click "Install".

Google will verify that your password is correct by making sure that you are the one logged into your account, after which the window shown in the screenshot will appear. At the top, a selection menu is available. It displays the last used device, and a drop-down list allows you to select the one you need. After reviewing the permissions that the application requests, re-agree with the installation. After some time, the Android device will signal that the application requested in the store has been automatically installed.

Installation file

For various reasons, not all applications get into the official Google store. As a current example, let's recall the versions of the mobile client of one popular social network upgraded by enthusiasts, allowing you to download the music hosted in it to a mobile device. The application has been removed from the store, but you can find it as an installation package. All programs that can be installed on devices using the "green robot" have the "apk" extension. After downloading such a file to your computer, you can use it for its intended purpose in several ways.

USB connection

Almost any mobile device can be connected to a computer using USB. To do this, you need to put it in debug mode, and in the "Security" settings section, check the possibility of installing from "unknown" sources.

This term refers to all software that gets on Android bypassing the Google Play store, which has not passed moderation in it or has been excluded. After copying the "apk" file to the device's memory, you can open it in the built-in file manager and start the installation. Third-party file management applications, such as ES File Explorer or the mobile version of Total Commander, may also be suitable for this purpose.

Recording to an SD card

When the SD card installed in the phone for memory expansion is used in file storage mode, it can be used to transfer applications from a computer to a mobile device. After connecting it through a card reader, in flash drive mode, write down the necessary installation packages and return it to the phone.

In the file manager, find the folder with the recorded files and start the installation using the operating system.

Windows installers

The presence of special utilities designed to work with “apk” files in Windows allows you to install a third-party application on your smartphone in two clicks. Previously, on the Android device, you will need to enable USB debugging in the options intended for developers and allow installation of software from "unknown" sources.

It will take longer to prepare the computer. First you need to install ADB drivers on it. You can get them as part of the Software Developer Kit for Android developers or by downloading a separate archive. Then the InstallAPK program is installed. If everything is done correctly, then the device is detected when connected via USB and you can work with it.

You can find pre-downloaded applications using the standard Windows Explorer and launch them like any other program by double-clicking.

adb driver and command line

If the previous method seemed complicated to you, you don’t even have to start this. Users who have worked with ADB and are familiar with the Windows command line can use it to install programs through a PC. The method of connecting the device will be similar to the one already used. You mark on the smartphone the items necessary for interaction via a USB cable, and by launching the command line you get to work.

The screenshot shows the command given to install the hello_world.apk test application and the result of this operation. With a little skill, any necessary applications are installed in this way, while obtaining root access to the device is not required.

Results

Now that you know how to install applications on Android using a computer, you can choose the most convenient and least costly option for you.

apk format (file name.apk) have all the installation files of applications for the Android OS. There are several ways to install: using a computer and directly from a mobile device. Remember that all applications that you download on the Internet do not pass anti-virus checks, for this you need to check them on your computer or have an anti-virus on your device.

Ways to install a game or application on an Android device

Manual installation of apk files downloaded to PC
Installing applications not downloaded from the market on android
Automatic installation.apk from computer

Install the application according to the previous method. Then all you need to do is go to the program, and it will automatically start searching for available .ark files on your android device. When the search is over, you just need to click on the file or select several and click "install".

The application will run the installation files on its own, you only need to agree (or not) with the access rights. Even if you close the program, the next time you start it, you can easily select all uninstalled applications.

Features of AirDroid

Installation runs automatically
Full-fledged work with contacts, messages with the ability to create backups
Updating installed programs and installation files
Gives access to manage folders and files on the device
Shows all installed programs
Access to editing and downloading pictures, music, videos from the Internet

Usually does not cause difficulties even for inexperienced users. Since the installation process here is as simple as possible, I clicked on the "Install" button and the application was installed.

But, when the user is faced with the task of installing an application from the APK file that is on the computer, this can already create some difficulties. If you find yourself in such a situation, then this material should help you, here you can learn how to install APK from a computer to Android.

Step number 1. Allow installation of applications from unknown sources in the settings of your Android smartphone.

By default, Android devices can only be accessed from the Play Market app store. In order to be able to install APK files from your computer, you need to allow installation of applications from unknown sources. To do this, go to the settings of your Android device and go to the "Security" section.

After that, enable the "Unknown Sources" feature.

After enabling this feature, you will be able to install any APK files.

Step #2. Transfer the APK file from your computer to your Android device's memory.

The next step is to copy the desired APK file from the computer to the memory of the Android device. To do this, you can connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. If you wish, you can use other ways to transfer the APK file. For example, you can drop it using Bluetooth.

With this, you can copy the APK file to any folder on your device. The main thing is that you remember where you copied the APK file.

Step #3. Run the APK file on your Android device.

In order to complete the installation of the APK file from a computer to an Android device, you need to run this APK file. To do this, you need to use any file manager. If your device does not have a file manager, then you can install it from the Play Market. There are many free file managers available.

Launch the file manager, open the folder where you copied the APK file and run it. After launching the APK file, a window will appear on the screen asking you to install the application. In order to install the APK file, simply click on the "Next" button.

After that, the application will be installed on your Android device. After the installation is complete, the icon of the installed application will appear on the desktop. Also, the icon of the new application will appear in the list of all applications.

The Google Play app store contains hundreds of thousands of different programs and games. All of them are designed to run on smartphones or tablets. However, why not be able to run them on a computer as well? It won't be redundant. Below is an instruction on how to install Android applications on a computer.

A bit of theory

The initiative to launch Android programs on computers does not belong to some enthusiasts from Southeast Asia, but directly to Google itself. So, a certain developer arc-eng recently posted one of the extensions for the Chrome browser called ARC Welder.

Extensions were originally created for developers to test their own software products. Actually, even now it continues to work in the same vein, it just became available for download to all owners of the browser of the same name.

ARC Welder's capabilities are based on the ARC tool (App Runtime for Chrome) developed and released last year, which in turn is based on Native Client technology. It is based on the principle of Open Source. The browser received the ability to work with this technology back in 2011, starting with the 14th version of the client.

To get started you will need the following:

PC based on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or Chrome OS
installed Chrome browser starting from version 41
ARC Welder extension installed

Instructions for installing Android applications

First you need to install the above extension (link in the same place). Together with the utility, the Chrome Application Launcher will be automatically installed, where shortcuts to all the most necessary company services, including ARC Welder, will be collected.

Next, you need the actual Android application.apk file. You can download it again thanks to a special browser add-on APK Downloader. With this utility, you can download any software to your computer directly from the Google Play store. Of course, you will need to sign in with an account and find out your Device ID. The last identifier is a unique number of your mobile device (smartphone or tablet) and should be automatically found by the system. If the latter did not happen, then you can find out the number using the special application Device id 1.1.2. Without it, nowhere.

When you first start the application, you must select or create a new directory where the files of installed programs will be written. It can be absolutely any folder with a name of your choice.

The launcher will prompt you to set display settings: orientation, simulation of opening on a smartphone or tablet, and so on.

When you launch a new program, you can run this procedure every time, or you can, so to speak, once and for all install an icon in the quick launch bar from Google and do it conveniently from there.

To do this, we do the following. Click on the "Download ZIP" button and save the program in the folder that you created earlier.

In the specified directory, we find the just saved ZIP archive and unpack it here.

The “Load unpacked extension” button appears, which you should click on. We select the same folder into which we unpacked the archive with the application earlier.

Voila! We open the quick launch panel and you can run the utilities directly, without a separate link to ARK Welder.

I want to say right away that you should not expect a stable and bug-free operation of all programs and toys. I tried running Instagram, Crossy Road games, Clash of clans and Monument Valley.