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WSA supports multiple methods for sideloading and installing APK files from Windows. Choose the method that best fits your needs and technical comfort level.

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Available Sideloading Methods

WSA Files App

Built-in method for WSA 2305+ - easiest option

WSA Sideloader

GUI tool supporting APK, XAPK, APKM, and APKS files

WSAPacman

Simple package manager for WSA

APK Installer

Paving Base APK Installer with modern UI

ADB Command Line

Advanced method using Android Debug Bridge

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WSA Files App

This method only works with WSA version 2305 and above. For older versions, use ADB or one of the GUI installers.
Starting with WSA version 2305, you can sideload APK files directly using the built-in Files app.
1

Enable Folder Sharing

  1. Open Windows Subsystem for Android app
  2. Go to Advanced Settings
  3. Enable Share user folders under Experimental Features
  4. Click Change folder to select which Windows folder to share
Folder sharing settings
2

Open Files App

Navigate to the System section in WSA Settings and open the Files app.Files app location
3

Browse Windows Files

  1. Click on Subsystem for Android
  2. Select Windows to browse your Windows files
  3. Navigate to the location of your APK file
4

Install APK

  1. Click the APK file you want to install
  2. Choose Package Installer if prompted
  3. Agree to the warnings
  4. Click Install
If installation fails, try disabling Block installation of malicious apps in the WSA app settings.

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Installing Bundle Files

To install bundle files like .apkm or .xapk, install SAI (Split APKs Installer) first, then use it to install bundle files and regular APKs.

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WSA Sideloader

WSA Sideloader is a powerful GUI tool that supports APK, XAPK, APKM, and APKS file formats.

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Installation

Download WSA Sideloader from:

Microsoft Store

Install via winget or Microsoft Store

GitHub Releases

Download the latest installer

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Setup and Usage

1

First Launch

After installation, launch WSA Sideloader. If you see a message that WSA is not installed, verify your WSA installation.
2

Enable Developer Mode

  1. Open WSA Settings from Start Menu or type wsa-settings:// in your browser
  2. Select Developer tab
  3. Enable Developer mode
Developer mode
3

Select APK File

Click the Browse button to select your APK file, or double-click an APK in File Explorer to automatically open it with WSA Sideloader.
4

Allow ADB Debugging

On first installation, you’ll be prompted to allow ADB debugging. Check Always allow to skip this step in the future.ADB permission
5

Complete Installation

Wait for the installation to complete. Once you see “The application has been successfully installed”, you can click Open app.
If WSA is off, WSA Sideloader will start it automatically. After 30 seconds, installation will continue.

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Finding Installed Apps

Access your installed WSA apps from:
  • Windows Start Menu
  • Installed apps button in WSA Sideloader

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Troubleshooting WSA Sideloader

If you encounter connection errors:
  1. Verify ADB authorization is allowed
  2. Confirm Developer Mode is enabled
  3. Try disabling and re-enabling USB debugging under Manage developer settings
  4. If you see “target machine actively refused it”, check your firewall settings

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WSAPacman

A lightweight package manager for WSA.
1

Install WSAPacman

Download and install WSA Pacman from GitHub.
2

Enable Developer Mode

Go to Windows Subsystem for Android → Developer and turn on Developer mode.
3

Grant ADB Permission

When prompted, give WSAPacman ADB debugging permission and check Always allow.
4

Install Apps

Use WSAPacman to browse and install APK files. If the Install button is greyed out, open WSAPacman and turn on WSA from within the app.
If installation times out, wait a few minutes to see if the app appears in the Start Menu. The installation may have succeeded despite the timeout message.

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APK Installer

The Paving Base APK Installer provides a modern interface for installing APK files. Visit the GitHub repository for installation instructions and documentation.

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Which Method Should I Use?

Use the WSA Files App if you have WSA 2305 or newer. It’s built-in and requires no additional software.
Use WSA Sideloader - it supports all bundle formats and provides a clean GUI experience.
Use ADB sideloading for maximum control and automation capabilities. See the ADB Sideloading Guide.
Try WSAPacman for a lightweight package management interface.
After setting up your preferred sideloading method, consider installing:
  • Aurora Store: Download apps from Google Play without a Google account
  • F-Droid: Open-source app repository
  • FX File Explorer: Full-featured file manager
  • Bromite: Privacy-focused Chromium browser
  • microG: Open-source Google services replacement (for builds without Google services)

Next: ADB Sideloading

Learn advanced APK installation using Android Debug Bridge

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