Curious about one of the first ways to run Android on a Windows PC? WindowsAndroid, released by Socketeq in 2013, ran Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) directly on Windows in its own phone-style window, without a separate virtual machine.
WindowsAndroid opens an Android virtual device
The program starts an Android environment in a window, presenting a virtual phone interface with familiar device options. Its setup does not require manual configuration of the virtual device: after launching the program, the Android interface is ready to use.
The on-screen environment includes device settings such as the date and time. Those options let you adjust basic details within the virtual Android device, separately from interacting with the Windows desktop.
Mouse actions control Android's touch interface
WindowsAndroid maps mouse input to common touch actions. For example, to dismiss the lock screen, click the lock and drag it across the screen. The same pointer-based interaction lets you work through the virtual phone interface without a touchscreen.
- Click and drag the lock control to unlock the virtual device.
- Use Android's on-screen options to change settings such as date and time.
Google Play provides an app-install path
Apps from that era could be installed inside the Android window. That workflow covers apps and games available through the store; after installation, open them from within the virtual Android interface.
The project was abandoned soon after release, so its Android 4.0 base is far too old for current apps and Google services. For running Android apps today, maintained emulators such as BlueStacks or Google Play Games for PC are the practical choice.
Pros
- Runs an Android virtual machine from Windows
- Uses mouse actions for Android touch interactions
- No separate virtual machine software needed
Cons
- Abandoned since 2013; runs outdated Android 4.0
- Current apps and Google services will not work
How do you unlock the virtual Android device?
Click the on-screen lock control and drag it across the screen.
Can WindowsAndroid install apps from Google Play?
Only very old apps; current Play Store apps require far newer Android versions.
Can you change the virtual device's date and time?
Yes. Android's device options include settings for the date and time.