How to Run Android 16 (Baklava) on Your Windows PC or Laptop

Imagine running the latest version of Android, Android 16, right on your Windows PC or laptop. Not just a simulated interface, but the complete operating system with all its features, including the official Google Play Store. Android 16 (code name Baklava) is Google's newest release built on API level 36, bringing refined performance, improved battery statistics, redesigned quick settings, and a polished, modern look.

- watch video tutorial on youtube

Normally, the only way to try this would be to buy a new phone. In this guide, I'll show you how to get Android 16 running smoothly on your Windows computer without needing an extra device. We will use the official tools from Google—specifically the emulator included with Android Studio. It’s free, safe, and built to work perfectly on Windows 10 and 11.

Why use this method?
You get a fully working Android 16 environment. Browse the web in Chrome, stream videos on YouTube, manage files, and download your favorite apps and games directly from the Play Store.

Prerequisites: Check Your Hardware

Before we get into the fun part, there's something important we need to check. Your computer must have virtualization enabled. This is what makes the emulator fast and responsive. Without it, Android 16 will feel slow or might not run at all.

Step 1: Enable Virtualization in BIOS

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Go to the Performance tab and select CPU.
Look for the word Virtualization at the bottom right.
- If it says Enabled, you are ready to proceed.
- If it says Disabled, you need to enable it from the BIOS settings.

To enable in BIOS: Restart your PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Delete). Inside BIOS, find Intel Virtualization Technology or SVM Mode (for AMD processors). Turn it on, save, and exit. Check Task Manager again to confirm.

Step 2: Enable Virtual Machine Platform

Once virtualization is enabled in the BIOS, ensure the virtual machine platform feature is turned on in Windows. This allows the emulator to use hardware acceleration efficiently.

Search for "Turn Windows features on or off" in your Start bar.
In the list, scroll down and find Virtual Machine Platform.
Check the box next to it, click OK, and wait for Windows to apply changes.
You will be asked to restart your computer. Do this before continuing.

Downloading and Installing the Emulator

We will use Android Studio because it includes the official Android emulator.

Step 3: Install Android Studio

Open your browser and search for Android Studio.
Go to the official developer website and click Download.
Once finished, run the file and follow the setup steps.
On the first launch, choose the Standard Installation option. This installs everything we need.
Accept the license terms and let it finish any additional downloads.

Setting Up Android 16 (API 36)

Now that Android Studio is installed, we will use it to grab the Android 16 system image and create our virtual device.

Step 4: Download the Android 16 System Image

In Android Studio, click on More Actions (the three dots or gear icon depending on your version) and open the SDK Manager.
In the SDK Platforms tab, look for Android 16 (also known as API level 36).
Check the box next to it and click Apply to download and install the files.

Step 5: Create a Virtual Device

Open the Virtual Device Manager from the welcome screen or the Tools menu.
Click the Plus (+) button to create a new device.
Select a device profile:
- Phone: Choose a Pixel model (e.g., Pixel 6 or 8 Pro).
- Tablet: Choose the Pixel Tablet.
- Note: Desktop profiles only support up to Android 14, so we won't use those here.
In the System Image tab, choose Android 16 (API 36) from the API drop-down.
Crucial: In the "Services" drop-down, make sure Google Play Store is selected. Choose the first option in the list (the stable release).

Tip for Smooth Performance:
Before clicking finish, click Show Advanced Settings. Based on your PC's hardware, you can tweak these settings. Here is a recommended configuration for a smooth experience:

Internal Storage: 30GB (allows installing larger apps/games).
Extended Storage (SD Card): 2GB or more (optional).
Processors: Allocate as many as your PC allows (e.g., 4 or 6 cores).
Graphics: Set to Hardware - GLES 2.0 or Automatic for better rendering.
RAM: Assign at least 4GB to ensure smooth performance with heavy apps.
VM Heap: Set to 512MB to handle large textures in games.

Click Finish. Your new device will appear in the device manager list.

Running Android 16

Step 6: Boot and Explore

Click the Play button next to your virtual device. The emulator will open in a new window and begin to boot. It feels just like starting up a brand new Android device.

Verify Version: Swipe down from the top to reveal quick settings. Open Settings > About Device to confirm you are running Android 16.
Sign In: Swipe up to open the app drawer. Open Chrome or YouTube and sign into your Google account.
Play Store: Return to the home screen and tap the Play Store icon. You will see the familiar layout. Download your favorite apps and games.

Gaming on Android 16

Lighter games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds will run without issue. Heavier games such as Asphalt 9 or Call of Duty Mobile can also be tested depending on how powerful your PC is.

Note on Compatibility: Some online shooters like PUBG Mobile, BGMI, or Free Fire may not perform perfectly due to compatibility issues or anti-emulator checks. However, most single-player games, arcade titles, and casual multiplayer games run very well.

You can even connect a USB gamepad or set up keyboard mapping for better controls directly in the emulator settings.

Tutorial video -

Conclusion

You now have Android 16 running on your Windows PC with full Play Store access. You can explore the new "Baklava" features, manage files via the new interface, and enjoy mobile apps on a bigger screen.

Have you tried this yet? Share in the comments which apps or games you have tested and how they performed on your setup!