How to run Windows programs on Android
Windows is the most popular operating system for PCs and laptops, while Android is the most used platform for smartphones and tablets.
Many people still rely on Windows apps for different purposes, but is it possible to use them on portable devices?
Yes! You can do this with a fast internet connection and virtualization software. Here I will comprehensively guide you how.
Process:
Connect your Windows machine to your smartphone or tablet using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
This app gives you access to all the programs installed on your PC, but it only works with certain editions of Windows. Particularly for Windows 7, you will need Ultimate, Professional, and Enterprise while for Windows 8; this utility is available only in the Pro and Enterprise editions. In Windows 10, this utility is not available natively.
Given the fact that most people use basic or home editions on their PCs, it’s not an ideal choice.
Although Remote Desktop applications can be used on all Android devices, it will be better if you connect a tablet to your PC using this software instead of a smartphone because you will have to zoom and scroll again and again while trying to navigate in Windows. quite a difficult task to do on a small screen.
After connecting the two devices, you can run Windows programs using Crossover, a software developed by CodeWeavers. This program was considered as a useful tool to run Windows programs on Mac or LINUX in the past and appeared on Android at the end of last year.
Crossover requires an x86 processor and at least 2 GB of RAM to run most real-world Windows apps, which limits the availability of this option for certain Android devices.
Like Crossover, another software, WINE, which is used to run Windows programs on LINUX, is also set to make inroads on Android soon.
Dual Boot Android and Windows Tablets
There are several tablets on the market that allow you to switch between Windows and Android operating systems.
Cube i10 is one of the popular dual boot tablets. Powered by Intel Z3735 Quad Core 1.8GHz processor, this 10.6-inch device runs Android 4.4.4 and Windows 8.1 Bing, comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM and is priced at $130.
You can find more dual boot tablets on sites like GearBest, Geekbuying, and TinyDeal.