This wikiHow teaches you how to install Bluestacks, a free Android emulator, on a PC or Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Go to https://www.bluestacks.com in a web browser
The website will automatically detect your operating system and display a 'Download BlueStacks' button in the middle of the page.
Step 2. Click on Download BlueStacks
This will save the Bluestacks installer to your computer.
- Depending on your browser, you may need to click Save or To download click to start the download.
Step 3. Double click on the BlueStacks installer
Once the file has been downloaded, you can click BlueStacks-Installer(version number).exe click in the lower left corner of your browser. If you don't see it there, open your Downloadsfolder and double-click the installer.
Step 4. Click Yes to run the installer
Step 5. Click Install Now
BlueStacks will now be installed on your PC. When the installation is complete, a new window will open.
- If you're upgrading from a previous version, click Get on and then Upgrade.
Step 6. Click Finish
BlueStacks is now installed and will start up automatically. You can also start the program by clicking its name or icon in the Start menu.
Method 2 of 2: macOS
Step 1. Go to https://www.bluestacks.com using a web browser
The website will automatically detect your operating system and display a 'Download BlueStacks' button in the center of the page.
Step 2. Click on Download BlueStacks
This will save the Bluestacks installer to your computer.
- Depending on your browser, you may need to click Save or To download click to start the download.
Step 3. Double click on the BlueStacks installer
It will be in the Downloadsfolder once the file is installed. Find the file named BlueStacksInstaller(version number).dmg.
Step 4. Double click on the BlueStacks icon in the window
It's the stack of sideways squares in the center of the blue window.
Step 5. Click Install
It's the blue button in the middle of the window.
Step 6. Click Continue to accept the terms
To view the terms and conditions before accepting them, click on the link conditions under 'Welcome to Bluestacks'.
Step 7. Allow BlueStacks to install if the installation is blocked
If you see the message 'System Extension Blocked', then you need to take some extra steps to install the app:
- click on Open Security Preferences in the pop-up window.
- Click on the tab General if you haven't already selected it.
- click on To allow in the lower right corner of the window.
Step 8. Launch BlueStacks
With BlueStacks installed, you can run the program by clicking its icon (a pile of multicolored squares) in the folder Programs.