Android is one of the most used Operating Systems on smartphones with almost 2.5 billion active devices worldwide, but it’s not only limited to smartphones. In fact, you can install it on your PC as well. Dual-boot Android X86 and Windows 11 is a great way to try out the Android Operating System on your computer. In this blog post, we will learn how to achieve this dual-boot configuration.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Dual Boot Android X86 And Windows 11
Dual-Booting Android X86 and Windows 11 is a great way to experience Android’s Operating System on your computer. Here are some reasons why you might want to do it:
Reason 1: Android Apps on PC
Android has over 2.8 million apps in the Google Play Store, including some pretty popular ones like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. By installing Android X86 on your computer, you’ll be able to use these popular apps right from your desktop.
Reason 2: Extra Flexibility
Android OS is specially designed for mobile phones, but installing it on your PC gives you extra flexibility. For example, you can run Android-x86 via a virtual machine. You’ll also be able to install Android on low-end computers that would never support the latest version of Windows.
Reason 3: It’s Free
Android X86 is an open-source project, making it free to download and use. So if you’re looking for an alternative to Windows 11 that doesn’t cost any money, then installing Android X86 might be the perfect solution.
Method 1: Using a USB Drive
This method is the most common way to install Android X86 and Windows 11 on your computer. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
Step 1: Download Android X86 ISO
Download the latest Android X86 ISO image from the official website.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Use a USB drive to make a bootable installer for Android X86. You can use Rufus, Win32diskimager, or any other tool you prefer.
Step 3: Create a Partition
Create an empty partition on your hard drive for Android X86. You can use EaseUS Partition Master or any similar tool.
Step 4: Install Android X86
Reboot your system and boot it from the bootable USB drive. Select the partition you created earlier and select the installation path. Follow the installation wizard and install Android X86 on your computer.
Step 5: Install Grub Bootloader
When the installation process is complete, reboot your computer, and you should see the Grub bootloader menu. You can select either Windows or Android X86.
Pros:
– Easy to set up.
– You’ll get the full Android experience on your PC.
Cons:
– The installation process can be time-consuming.
Method 2: Using Virtualization
This method involves using a software program like VirtualBox to install Android X86 and Windows 11 on your computer. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
Step 1: Download VirtualBox and Android X86 ISO
Download VirtualBox and the latest Android X86 ISO image from the official website.
Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine
Create a virtual machine in VirtualBox, and select the Android X86 ISO as the installation medium. Set up the amount of RAM and storage space you want to allocate to the virtual machine.
Step 3: Install Android X86
Follow the installation wizard, and once the installation is complete, install the VirtualBox Guest Additions.
Step 4: Run Android X86
Start the virtual machine, and you’re good to go!
Pros:
– No need for partitioning the hard drive.
– You don’t need to reboot your computer to switch between operating systems.
Cons:
– Android might run slightly slower than on a native installation.
Method 3: Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
This method involves using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to install Android X86 and Windows 11 on your computer. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
Step 1: Download Android X86 ISO
Download the latest Android X86 ISO image from the official website.
Step 2: Connect Your Device
Connect your device to your computer in debugging mode using a USB cable.
Step 3: Install ADB Drivers
Install the ADB drivers for your device on your computer.
Step 4: Install Android X86
Use the ADB tool to install Android X86 on your hard drive. You can follow the installation instructions given by the software.
Step 5: Install Grub Bootloader
After the installation is complete, reboot your computer. You should see the Grub bootloader menu, letting you select between Windows and Android X86.
Pros:
– The ADB method is faster and simple for seasoned Android developers.
– It is possible to automate the installation process.
Cons:
– Requires technical experience.
– Minor porting or debugging issues may result in a non-functional or unstable system.
What to Do If You Can’t Dual Boot Android X86 And Windows 11
Here are some ways to troubleshoot if you run into any issues during the dual-boot process:
Fix 1: Check Compatibility
Ensure that your device is compatible with the Android X86 distribution you are using. You can also check whether your hardware or software is incompatible with the version.
Fix 2: Update the BIOS
Update your BIOS to the latest version. Doing this will ensure that your hardware is compatible with the latest Android X86.
Fix 3: Check Secure Boot Settings
In Windows, check if Secure Boot is enabled. If it is, disable it, as it might be restricting the bootloader from showing up during boot-up.
Fix 4: Check for Disk Errors
Run a disk check or disk repair tool to ensure that there are no issues on your hard drive partitions.
Bonus Tip
It’s a good idea to back up your important files before installing any new operating systems. That way, if something goes wrong, you won’t lose any important data.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is Android X86?
A: Android X86 is a free and open-source project which helps users to install Android on their computer.
Q2: Do I need a touchscreen to run Android X86?
A: No, you don’t. Android X86 comes with a built-in mouse driver that can be used to interact with Android.
Q3: Can I install Android on top of Windows?
A: Yes, you can. Android can be installed as a secondary operating system alongside Windows 11.
Q4: Is it possible to use Android Apps on Windows 11?
A: Yes, some Android apps can be run on Windows 11 via emulation.
Q5: Can I use Android X86 to run on MacOs?
A: Yes, you can also install Android X86 on Mac computers using virtual machines or dual booting.
Final Thoughts
Installing Android X86 and Windows 11 on the same computer is a great way to experience the Android Operating System on a desktop or laptop computer. It’s free and easy to set up, and there are different methods you can try – USB, Virtualization, and ADB. If you encounter any hiccups, you can troubleshoot the issues using the fixes we’ve mentioned. Remember to back up your data and explore this new dual-boot experience!