The Android Package (APK) is the file format used to distribute and install apps on Android and related operating systems. APK files are analogous to other packages like APPX for Windows or Debian packages for Debian. They are compiled from code in languages like Java or Kotlin.
To create an APK, source code is compiled by tools such as Android Studio, and the parts packaged into one ZIP-compressed file. You should be careful what APK files you install, since malware can be distributed through them like with .EXE files.
To install an APK manually, transfer the file to your device and open it to trigger installation. You must trust the source. Windows 11 natively supports installing APKs using features like Windows Subsystem for Android. This is available currently to Windows Insider members.
Inside, APK files contain libraries, data and configuration to install apps in isolation on the Android kernel. The information is pre-packed by developers into this format for end users to install. Programs that open APKs include the Android SDK and various Android emulators to run the apps.
Instead of converting APKs to EXEs, open them on your computer using a Windows APK opener from above. The app doesn’t need to be an EXE to work. While APK files can contain malware like any format, the format itself is not inherently dangerous.
To find APKs on your Android device, use a file manager app to search. Some devices have preloaded managers, but add-ons exist too. Tap the file to trigger installation.
Google Play Store
Android Studio
ADB