Emulate, stream, or find a proper port of your favorite game
Published on February 22, 2024
What to Know
- Using emulation: Install an emulator like Winlator on your phone, then download and play any DRM-free game.
- Using game streaming: Stream your games using a service like GeForce Now.
- Using ports: Open Google Play, then search for the game you want to play to see if a port is available.
This article explains how to play PC games on an Android device.
Can You Play PC Games on Android?
You can’t install a PC game directly on an Android device because of hardware and operating system differences, but there are a few ways to get around those issues.
Here are the best ways to play PC games on Android:
- Emulation: This flexible option is also the most complicated. It requires a PC emulator and the files for the game you want to play. The emulator runs directly on your Android device, so you don’t need a gaming PC to use this method.
- Streaming: This is the easiest way to play PC games on Android, and it allows you to play PC games you already own on your phone, tablet, and various other Android devices. The downside of this method is that it requires a PC to run the game and stream it to your Android device.
- Ports: The easiest way to play PC games on Android is to look for games officially ported to Android. These official ports started as PC games but have been modified and optimized for Android hardware. The selection is limited, but there isn’t any complicated setup or configuration process, and you don’t need additional hardware.
How to Emulate PC Games on Android
Emulation is a process where an app designed for a specific operating system or hardware can run under a different operating system or hardware with the help of an emulator app. In this case, emulating a PC game on Android requires a PC emulator that’s designed to run on Android. Emulation isn’t perfect, so some PC games run on emulators just fine, and others don’t. You may find that the game you want to play works with one emulator and not with others, doesn’t run at all, or requires additional configuration to get it working.
Several options for emulating PC games on Android include Exagear, Winlator, and Box64.
Before you proceed, you will need to obtain PC games to use with this method from sources that don’t include digital rights management (DRM) or look for free PC games, and then transfer the game files to the downloads folder on your Android device.
Here’s how to play PC games on Android using Winlator:
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Navigate to the Winlator repository on Github and download Winlator_x.x.apk.
Get Winlator from Github
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Open the Winlator_x.x.apk file on your Android device.
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Tap Install.
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Tap Open.
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Tap Allow.
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Allow Winlator to download and install the .obb file.
You can also tap menu > settings, scroll to the bottom, and install the .obb file there.
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Tap the + icon to create a new container.
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Adjust the settings as necessary, then tap the check mark.
You may need to try different settings to get your game to work, as different games require different settings.
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Tap the ⋮ icon (three vertical dots) > Run.
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Select Computer > D.
Winlator will automatically find any games you placed in the Downloads folder on your Android.
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Locate the game you want to play, and tap the executable (.exe) file.
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The game will launch.
How to Stream PC Games on Android
This method requires a PC or a game streaming service to run the game, which is then streamed to your Android device via your local network or internet connection. If you’re a Steam gamer with a gaming PC, you can use the Steam Link app to stream your Steam games to your Android device for free. Other game streaming options like GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Xbox Game Pass require a subscription.
Here’s how to play PC games on Android with GeForce Now:
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Download and install GeForce now on your Android device.
Get GeForce Now from Google Play
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Open GeForce Now on your Android, and tap AGREE & CONTINUE.
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Tap the profile icon.
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Select a login method to create your account, or select the method associated with your existing account.
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Tap Play Now.
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Tap Connect your store accounts.
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Tap CONNECT next to the store you want to connect.
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Log into the service you selected, and authorize the connection.
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Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
You can also connect additional stores at this time if you like.
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Tap Games.
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Tap the game you want to play.
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Tap Play.
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Geforce Now will test your network and then stream the game.
How to Play PC Ports on Android
Some PC games are also available on Android, either as simultaneous releases or older games that receive a port later. Most PC games aren’t available in this manner, but a surprising number of options are available. These games are typically available through the Google Play Store and run directly on your Android device, so this is the simplest, easiest way to play PC games on Android.
To play a PC port on Android:
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Open Google Play, and search for the title of the game you’re looking for.
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If that game is available, it will appear in the search results.
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Select the game.
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Tap Buy or Get.
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Install and play the game.
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In this guide, we will show you the steps to run Windows games on your Android device via Winlator. So without any further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Before you proceed ahead, there are a couple of things worth keeping in mind. First off, your device might flag this app as a malicious one, mainly because it allows you to run EXE files and other OS files on your Android device. But since this app is open-source, you can easily verify its legitimacy from GitHub. Secondly, you should download the game only from a legitimate/official site. Once you have checkmarked both these requirements, let’s get started with the process.
- First off, download the game of your choice and transfer it to the Downloads folder.
- Now, download and install Winlator from GitHub. Then launch it and let it complete its installation.
- Now tap on the plus icon at the top right to create a new container.
- Give this container name. Then scroll to the bottom and change the Video Memory Size to 4096MB.
- Then go to the Advanced tab and change the Box86 Preset as well as Box64 Preset to Performance.
- Likewise, under Processor Affinity, make sure that all the CPUs are checked.
- Leave the rest of the settings as they are and hit the blue check to save this container.
- Now tap on the overflow icon next to that container and select Run.
- Click on Start > System Tool > Wine Gecko Installer > Install.
- Again, go to Start > System Tool > Wine Mono Installer > Install.
- Once done, go to D Drive and launch the setup EXE file of the downloaded game.
- The installation will now start. Once done, you may launch the game from the Desktop.
Important Winlator Functions
Here are some of the most important Winlator functions that might come in handy during the gameplay. You can invoke this menu by pressing the back key once from anywhere on the screen or by tapping on the screen via four fingers.
Keyboard
Will bring up the Android’s default keyboard application.
Input Controls
You can choose between RTS and Virtual Gamepad.
Toggle Fullscreen
Enable/Disable full-screen view in the Winlator app as well as the game [this might distort the aspect ratio in some games].
Task Manager
You can get live data about how much memory each process consumes.
Magnifier
Perform a zoom-in gesture on the screen [default is set at 100%].
Touchpad Help
Explains how the touchpad works, namely:
- Left Click: Tap with one finger
- Right Click: Tap with one finger and short tap with another.
- Scroll: Two fingers tap and move
- Main Menu: Four Fingers tap.
Fix In-Game Issues in Winlator
To fix issues related to audio, graphics, FPS, performance, and other related aspects, you’ll first have to tap on the overflow icon next to the desired container and then select Edit. After that, refer to the desired fix given below.
Fix Graphics Issue
Change Graphics Drivers to VirGL (Universal) and DX Wrapper to WineD3D. If that doesn’t work, then try out the VKD3D.
Fix Audio Issues
To fix audio-related issues, change the audio driver to Pulse Audio. Then go to Win Components and change Direct Sound to Builtin (Wine).
Fix Performance Issues
Go to the Advanced tab and change Box86 Preset as well as Box64 Preset to Performance.
Fix Older Games Not Running
If older games aren’t running, then go to the Environmental Variables, scroll to the bottom and tap Add. Then add the MESA_EXTENSION_MAX_YEAR=2003 value.
Fix Missing .NET Framework
If a game requires .NET Framework, then you’ll have to install Wine Mono. For that, run the container and go to Start > System Tool > Wine Mono Installer > Install.
That’s it. These were the steps to run Windows games on your Android device via Winlator. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.
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If you’ve ever thought about running your favorite Windows Game (like GTA 5) or App on your Android smartphone or tablet, then you can fortunately do it using a third-party app. In this guide, we will explore the easiest way to install Windows apps on Android phones.
A third-party emulator app, Winlator, lets Android users install and access Windows apps on their phones. Winlator uses Wine and Box64/Box86 that brings Windows apps compatibility on several POSIX-compliant OS’, including Linux, macOS, and more.
When you open the Winlator and run a container for the first time, you will see the default apps list including the WineMine game, 7Zip, Wordpad, Notepad, the old Internet Explorer, and Game Controller to controls. For testing, I installed VLC Media Player and it works perfectly fine. You can also install your favorite games and connect a wireless mouse and keyboard for better controls.
How to Download and Install Winlator App
Sadly, the Winlator app isn’t listed on the Google Play Store, but we can sideload the app by downloading it from GitHub or Winlator’s official website. First, let’s take a look at the steps on how to install Winlator on Android phones.
Step 1: Download the Winlator app from GitHub or Winlator’s website.
Step 2: When downloaded, open the app, it will ask for permission to allow install unknown apps from different sources. Select Settings and then turn the toggle for Allow from this source.
Step 3: You will see the installation prompt, simply select Install. Once installed, open the app and grant the required permissions. Once done, it will automatically install the required system files.
How to Setup a Container on Winlator App
With all system files and dependencies installed, you can start making a container and run the Windows emulator on your Android smartphone or tablet. Follow these steps to make a container.
Step 1: Open Winlator app and tap the + icon at the top right corner.
Step 2: Give a name to the container, choose the screen size (by default it is 800 X 600)
Step 3: Under the Graphics Driver settings, select Adreno (Turnip) if your phone is powered by the Snapdragon processor. If it has a MediaTek chipset, then choose VirGL (Universal).
Step 4: You can check other settings if you want, once done, simply tap the done button at the bottom right corner.
How to Run Windows Apps in Winlator on Android
With the container setup done, you can start using the Windows emulator on your Android device and install Windows apps on your device. Follow these steps to install your favorite Windows apps or games on your phone.
Step 1: Tap the three dots icon on the right side of the container, then select Run option.
Step 2: You will see the Windows-like environment, even a proper desktop screen on your Android smartphone or tablet. You can control the cursor visible on the screen by dragging your finger across the screen, to open the app or folder, simply double-tap anywhere.
Step 3: If you want to access your Android smartphone’s Downloads folder, simply launch the D Drive and access all files stored inside the Downloads folder. Whereas, C Drive contains the system files of the container, and Z Drive contains the Android data.
Step 4: If you want to install any Windows app inside the Winlator’s container, then you need to download the setup file of the software on your Android device. For testing, I downloaded the VLC Media Player’s setup file and ran it.
The installation time may vary on the device’s chipset and RAM, it took a few more seconds compared to the installation time on Windows Laptop. But everything works as it works on any Windows PC.
If you are going to test Winlator on your Android smartphone, do share your experience in the comment section. Also, share this article with your friends.
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How to Play Windows Games on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Started
Before you can play Windows games on your Android device, you need to make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for the game. Most Windows games are available on Android, but some may not work properly or may not be optimized for mobile devices. To ensure that your game is compatible, check the game’s requirements in the store and see if your device meets the minimum system requirements.
Installing Windows Games on Android
To install Windows games on Android, you need to use a third-party app called BlueStacks or NoxPlayer. These apps provide a Windows-like experience on Android, allowing you to play Windows games on your mobile device. Here’s how to install Windows games on Android using BlueStacks:
- Download and install BlueStacks on your Android device.
- Launch BlueStacks and select Add a new app.
- Search for the Windows game you want to play and select it.
- Click on the Install button to install the game.
- Once the installation is complete, launch the game and it should launch smoothly.
Finding Windows Games on Android
Windows games are available on the Google Play Store, but not all games are available on the store. You can also check the Microsoft Store for Windows games, which is the official store for Windows games on Android.
- Launch the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for «Windows game» or «Windows 10 game» to find games.
- Browse through the game list to find the one you want to play.
- Click on the game to select it and click on the Get button to download it.
Basic Settings for Windows Games on Android
Once you’ve installed a Windows game, you’ll need to make some basic settings to get it running smoothly. Here are some settings you can adjust:
- Resolution: You can adjust the game’s resolution to match your device’s screen size.
- Screen size: You can also adjust the game’s screen size to match your device’s screen size.
- Split screen: Some games allow you to use a split screen to play on multiple devices at the same time.
- Controller support: Some games may not support controllers, so you can check the game’s settings to see if controller support is available.
Advanced Settings for Windows Games on Android
Some Windows games require advanced settings to run smoothly. Here are some advanced settings you can adjust:
- Graphics settings: You can adjust the game’s graphics settings to match your device’s hardware.
- Resolution and scaling: You can also adjust the game’s resolution and scaling settings to match your device’s screen size.
- Autoplay: Some games may require you to set autoplay to play the game automatically.
- Saves and autosave: Some games may require you to set the game to autosave your progress.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some games may not run smoothly on Android, or may not work at all. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Game crashes: If your game crashes, you can try restarting BlueStacks and checking the game’s settings to see if there’s a problem.
- No sound: If you’re experiencing no sound or sound is distorted, you can try checking the game’s audio settings to see if there’s a problem.
- No resolution or scaling: If your game is not scaling to your device’s screen size, you can try adjusting the game’s resolution and scaling settings.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Windows games on Android:
- Use BlueStacks to customize your gaming experience: BlueStacks provides a range of customization options that can help you get the most out of your game.
- Use the game’s built-in features: Some games have built-in features that can help you improve your gaming experience, such as cheats or leaderboards.
- Use the game’s community features: Some games have community features that can help you connect with other players and share tips and strategies.
Conclusion
Playing Windows games on Android is a great way to experience the world of Windows gaming on a mobile device. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can install Windows games on Android and start playing immediately. With the right settings and a little bit of tweaking, you can experience the same high-quality gaming experience as on your desktop.
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Are you trying to run Windows apps on your Android phone? You want to play Windows games or lightweight apps that are not available on Android. Right! Though Android has loads of apps and games, it does not offer the cutting-edge features of a PC. This is where the Winlator emulator comes into play. It is one of the best Windows-on-Android solutions. Whether you want to play PC-exclusive games and programs without heating your Android, this tool is all you need.
What is Winlator?
Winlator is an Android emulator that runs Windows programs or software on Android for free. It provides a user-friendly interface for emulation. A while back, phone amateurs dreamed of getting Windows apps or thrilling games on their hands. This made many developers design the emulators to do so.
Though countless emulators exist, Winlator has unique perks that differentiate it from others. In other words, you can use programs natively on your Android. It provides nearly the same dashboard, file manager, and utility tools as a traditional computer.
Further, it combines offline access with numerous customization options. You can tweak the resolution and sound quality and add custom buttons to the screen.
Here are the steps to download and install the emulator successfully. Also, don’t worry about running PC programs; we’ll get on it sooner.
- Go to a GitHub page and locate Winlator’s APK file. Scroll down until you find the latest version of Winlator, and tap on the APK file to download it.
- Tap the downloaded APK file and select Install from a prompt. If prompted, grant your device permission to install an unknown app.
- Once you have installed it, launch the app. The system files will take a while to install.
- To set a Container, tap on a plus icon at the top right corner.
- A list of settings will show for configuration. Under the name, you can set a name to the container. Select the Screen Size that suits your display, or choose 960×544 as a standard option.
- Further, under Graphics Driver, select Turnip if your smartphone has a Snapdragon processor or Adreno GPU. In the case of other processors, tap on VirGL.
- To run programs smoothly, you must choose WinD3D under DX Wrapper. You can select DXVK for Direct3D 9 and Direct3D 11 programs in different scenarios. The VLD3D option aims for the best FPS, while CNC DDraw is for big software, like game titles.
- If you want to count FPS, generally on playing games, tick the Show FPS option. Select 4096 MB under the Video Memory Size option in the Wine Configuration section.
- Scroll right and head to the Advanced tab. Under Box64 Preset, choose the Performance option and Windows 10 under version.
- Now, tap the check icon at the bottom, and you have created a container to open a Windows interface.
You are just some steps back to run your desired Windows apps.
Read: Phone Link App: Mirror content from iPhone or Android phone to Windows PC
How to install PC apps or games on Winlator?
This is where we’ll know the final procedures to install programs on your Android (Games or Apps) smoothly:
- Head to an authentic site and download the Windows program as an executable file on your Android phone. You can also download a zip file that we can compress.
- Move the downloaded file into your download folder. If the file is compressed, extract it to the exact location.
- Open the Winlator app. Under File Explorer, select the D drive to open your internal storage’s download folder.
- Double-tap on the program’s executable file you want to install. (That ends with .exe). Follow the on-screen steps, and that’s it.
The app or game will open and run as per the configuration we set earlier. In the case of games, scroll left and select the input method. This will add overall gaming control options.
I hope it helps.
Is there a Winlator software for PC?
No, Winlator specifically emulates PC programs on Android phones. You can only use it on Android phones and run the apps or games with preferred customizations.
Can I run Android apps or games on a PC?
Yes, similar to emulating Windows applications on Android, you can use software like BlueStacks, Andy, etc. to run Android apps on a PC.
Ashish holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and is a veteran Windows. He has been a Microsoft MVP (2008-2010) and excels in writing tutorials to improve the day-to-day experience with your devices.