BlueStacks is a popular Android emulator for Windows and Mac. Using BlueStacks, you can run virtually any Android app on your desktop.
What is BlueStacks?
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Like any emulator, BlueStacks creates a virtual version of an Android device that runs in a window on your computer. It doesn't look exactly like an Android device, but it resembles a phone's screen well enough that even a first-time user should have no trouble using it.
BlueStacks is free to download, install, and use. While you can use BlueStacks to run almost any Android app (it's compatible with about 97% of the apps in the Google Play Store), the app has found its largest audience with Android users who want to play mobile games on their desktop computer.
Candy Crush, a mobile game, being played on a Windows computer. BlueStacks
The app is optimized for gamers, but gives direct access to the Google Play Store, and any app can be downloaded using your Google account, just like on an Android device.
BlueStacks is a safe and trustworthy app
BlueStacks is a legitimate app that's developed and produced by a major company. As long as you install the program from BlueStacks' website, it's safe to install and use – installing it from a third-party site might be more risky.
Even so, some anti-malware utilities might block the installation of the program even from the Bluestack website. As long as you're installing the official program from Bluestack, it's safe to proceed.
It's also completely legal - although some companies try to argue otherwise, emulators are protected by US law, and can be run like any other app.
BlueStacks' main features and capabilities
The BlueStacks home screen doesn't replicate any particular version of Android or phone screen, but it should be easy for any Android user to find their way around.
The home screen includes an icon for the Google Play Store as well as a collection of system apps (including Settings). A toolbar on the side of the window gives you access to the programs' various modes and features, as well as lets you adjust the volume, take screenshots, rotate the display, and more.
There's also a separate settings icon for adjusting BlueStacks' settings - this is different from adjusting the virtual Android device's settings.
The BlueStacks home screen shows your installed apps and features a toolbar for controlling BlueStacks and your Android experience. Dave Johnson/Insider
You can navigate around using the Back, Home, and Recent Apps icons at the bottom-right of the toolbar.
Use the icons at the bottom of the toolbar to navigate around. Dave Johnson/Insider
BlueStacks' most popular features
Easy app installation: You can install Android apps directly from the Google Play Store within BlueStacks in the same way you'd install any app on your phone. If you have an app's .APK file (the executable app file) you can install it from the BlueStacks toolbar.
Integration with PC devices: BlueStacks integrates seamlessly with your computer's devices and peripherals, including the mouse, keyboard, webcam, and more. These devices will work as if they were built into your Android device, and Android apps will be able to take advantage of them automatically.
Game controls: Most Android games have a set of default controls that make the best use of the computer's mouse and keyboard, though you can modify and customize these controls within BlueStacks.
A sampling of the most popular games on BlueStacks. Bluestacks
Multi-instance support: BlueStacks allows you to open the same game in multiple windows, playing it with two or more accounts at once. You can use this to play multiple games at the same time, to play the same game from several accounts, or even to play multiplayer games with yourself.
Macros: BlueStacks includes a robust macro editor to automate tasks with keyboard shortcuts.
