How to Run Windows Programs on Android: Alternatives to Parallels, VMware, and Windows Emulators
As demand for mobility and flexibility grows, many users are seeking ways to run Windows programs directly on their Android devices. While popular desktop virtualization solutions like Parallels and VMware are available for PCs, there are several alternatives that can help you run Windows applications on mobile devices. Below are some tools to achieve this goal, ranging from emulators to remote access applications.
1. Wine (Wine Is Not an Emulator)
- What it is: Wine is software that allows the execution of Windows programs on non-Windows operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, and Android. It is not an emulator but a compatibility layer that translates Windows system calls into something Android can understand.
- How it works: While installation can be tricky, Wine can run many lightweight Windows applications. However, compatibility varies, and not all programs will work seamlessly.
- Link: Wine for Android
2. CrossOver
- What it is: CrossOver is a commercial version of Wine, designed to simplify the process of installing and running Windows applications. It offers enhanced support and a more user-friendly interface.
- How it works: Without requiring a full Windows installation, CrossOver makes it easy to run popular programs like Microsoft Office and even some games on Android.
- Link: CrossOver for Android
3. ExaGear
- What it is: ExaGear was a popular tool used to run Windows applications and games on Android devices by emulating the Windows x86 architecture.
- How it works: Although ExaGear has been officially discontinued, older versions are still circulating online. Success in running specific apps depends on the version used and the program's requirements.
- Status: Discontinued, but older versions are still available.
4. Remote Desktop Apps
If running programs directly on Android is not viable, another efficient option is to use remote desktop apps. These applications allow you to control a Windows PC remotely, running the programs on the computer and accessing them through your Android device.
a) Microsoft Remote Desktop
- What it is: The official Microsoft app for connecting Android devices to Windows PCs. It is ideal for accessing and controlling your PC remotely from anywhere.
- How it works: It requires Remote Desktop to be enabled on your Windows computer. It works well with many applications and lightweight games.
- Link: Microsoft Remote Desktop on Play Store
b) Splashtop
- What it is: Splashtop is a fast remote control app that streams video and audio from your Windows PC to your Android device. It’s great for running graphically intensive or resource-heavy programs.
- How it works: You can run resource-intensive programs on your PC and access them through your Android device with minimal lag.
- Link: Splashtop
c) TeamViewer
- What it is: TeamViewer is one of the most popular remote desktop applications, allowing you to access and control your PC from anywhere.
- How it works: It’s easy to set up and ideal for running Windows programs remotely on Android.
- Link: TeamViewer
5. JPCSIM - PC Windows Simulator
- What it is: JPCSIM is an Android app that simulates a basic PC running Windows, offering a limited but educational emulation of older Windows systems such as Windows XP.
- How it works: It’s more suited for educational purposes, with limited functionality for running complex applications, but it can run simple programs.
- Link: JPCSIM
6. Limbo PC Emulator
- What it is: Limbo is an emulator that can run complete operating systems like Windows on Android devices. It uses a version of QEMU to virtualize the necessary architecture.
- How it works: While it requires manual configuration and tends to be slow, Limbo can work for lightweight applications or older Windows systems.
- Link: Limbo PC Emulator
Summary
To run Windows applications on an Android device, you have several options, each with different levels of compatibility and performance:
- Wine and CrossOver allow you to run apps directly on Android, but with limited compatibility.
- ExaGear is still used by some to run certain games and applications, despite being officially discontinued.
- Remote Desktop Apps like Microsoft Remote Desktop, Splashtop, and TeamViewer provide a stable solution for accessing Windows programs running on a remote PC.
- Limbo and JPCSIM are emulators that can run older Windows systems, though with limited performance.
For more demanding tasks or if you need to run resource-heavy programs, remote access is generally the most stable and efficient solution, while Wine and CrossOver are better suited for lighter, straightforward applications on Android.
