How to Install Android on a USB drive

Did you know you could run a version of Android on your computer? Not the ones you use on your phone or tablet, of course, but an emulator that will run the OS on laptops and desktops. You will be able to run your favorite apps and play your favorite games using your mouse and keyboard.

Android x86 originated in 2009. It’s an open-source project that lets users port the Android operating system on AMD and Intel devices.

Installing the Android OS on a USB drive

  1. Android x86’s website has a long list of Android versions you can download. The best choice would be one of the latest ISO releases in 64 bit
  2. Save your chosen ISO
  3. There are many ways to write an ISO onto a USB disk. Third-party programs such as balenaEtcher, Rufus, and YUMI are all very good options
  4. Once you’ve downloaded your third-party software, plug your chosen disk into your laptop/desktop
  5. Select your downloaded ISO file and your external disk
  6. Click Flash to write the ISO onto your USB

How to boot Android from a USB drive

  1. Plug your USB drive containing your Android ISO
  2. Turn on your computer and press the appropriate key to enter SETUP
  3. Once you’ve entered BIOS Setup Utility, navigate to the Boot options
  4. Choose your external drive and click Enter to continue booting