It used to be the vanilla build, bare-bones, no-frills choice. That was because of Android-x86 – one of the few options back then. Some years back, not many saw the appeal of using Android on a PC. Since some apps are mobile-only, Android desktops give you the chance to use them on your computer versus just a smartphone or tablet. Secondly, they can come in handy if you just want to enjoy your favorite Android apps on a larger screen, such as games and productivity apps. This makes it perfect for breathing life back into an old desktop or laptop. First, an Android OS requires far less resources than Windows and more robust Linux systems. There are two main purposes of Android desktops. Ideally, you’ll need 8GB to 20GB for the system itself. While each desktop has its own requirements, they’re usually made to function well on older PCs, so you’re not going to need the same higher-end requirements as Windows 11 does. For Macs, you’d be best to use a Live CD/USB option or try an Android emulator. Most are not made to natively install on Macs, though. Typically, Android systems are made to work with Windows PC hardware, though they may also work well with Linux systems. You can run it as your only operating system, dual boot it, or even create a Live CD (or USB) to run the OS independently without installing anything on your computer. Basically, the system itself is similar to what’s on Android smartphones but designed to work with desktop/laptop hardware and environment.ĭespite the word “desktop,” an Android desktop is a full operating system, just like Linux or Windows.

If your first thought is your computer will look like your mobile phone, you’re pretty much right. Before we dive into comparing Android desktops, let’s talk about what they actually are.

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