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Windows Launchers for Android: Best We Tested in 2024
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Updated onJanuary 8, 2024
updated onJanuary 8, 2024
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Androidis undeniably one of the most popular mobile operating systems available right now. Mobile manufacturers from Samsung to Sony useAndroidas their operating system of choice. However, forWindows 10users, the mobile operating system can feel a little bit too far from home.
Thankfully, a wide range ofAndroidlaunchers are available, designed to bring the fullWindows 10experience to yourAndroidmobile deviceand we’ve taken a look at the best of them.
If you’re anAndroiduser but looking to bring a splash of Microsoft’s operating system to yourmobile device, you can’t go far wrong with the below options.
Windows 10 launchers for your Android smartphone
1. Win 10 Launcher (Google Play)
If you’re looking to bring the visual appearance ofWindows 10to yourAndroidsmartphone,Win 10Launcher is undeniably one of your best options. TheAndroidlauncher is built from the ground up to look and feel like Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system. With that in mind, you can expect the same levels of customisation that you know and love from Microsoft’s operating system on yourAndroiddevice, including a variety of Windows inspired colour options.
WhilstWin 10Launcher is designed to look and feel like Microsoft’s operating system, it still integrates perfectly withAndroid. Incredibly easy to set-up,Win 10Launcher imports all of your currentAndroidapps and gives them aWindows 10shortcut on your home screen.
2. SquareHome 2 – Windows 10 Style (Google Play)
This is anotherAndroidlauncher designed to visually echo Microsoft’s Windows 10, especially in itsWindows 10Style variant. Available to download for free from the Google Play Store, SquareHome 2 – Windows 10 Style mimics the tiled design of Windows 10, whilst maintaining the features ofAndroid.
One of the great things about SquareHome 2 is the fact that it’s also fully compatible withAndroiddevices. Whilst most Windows 10Androidlaunchers are designed primarily for use withsmartphones, the developers of SquareHome 2 have gone one step further by integrating tablet compatibility here. Essentially allowing you to turn yourAndroidtablet into a Surface!
3. Launcher Metro 10 (Google Play)
Taking something more of a simplistic approach to Microsoft’s Metro design ethos, Launcher Metro 10 still does an incredibly good job at bringing the Windows-style toAndroid. That’s largely thanks to its vibrant use of tiles and easy customization, much like that found on Microsoft’s own mobile operating system. In fact, the launcher even includes its own icon pack, meaningAndroidusers can ditch Google’s choice of icon design and use the Internet Explorer icon to signify their mobile browser. Clearly designed to bring the full mobile Windows experience to Google’s mobile operating system, Launcher Metro 10 definitely does a good job, even if it is a little rough around the edges.
4. Arrow Launcher (Google Play)
Whilst not as visually similar to Windows 10 as other launchers on our list, Arrow Launcher earns an honorary spot because it’s designed by Microsoft forAndroid. Looking to give users ofAndroida splash of Microsoft love, the company has released their own launcher for the platform. Designed to be light and efficient, Arrow seamlessly integrates with many of Microsoft’s services onAndroid, which is perfect if you’re a user of their Office suite of applications of their Skype video calling service.
We’re not overly sure why Microsoft would spend their precious time making a launcher of Google’s mobile operating system when they have their own. However, the result of Arrow Launcher is an incredibly sleek user interface forAndroidthat brings with it fantastic compatibility for Microsoft users.
5. Win 10 Smart Launcher (Google Play)
Over the course of this article, we’ve discussed both launchers forAndroidthat provide the functionality ofWindows 10and the operating system’s visual style. However,Win 10Smart Launcher manages to combine both of those aspects. The launcher is designed to look and feel likeWindows 10, much like SquareHome 2 and Metro 10 do, however, it also brings with it some of the functionality from Microsoft’s own Arrow Launcher, which is especially prevalent through the launcher’s contacts menu.
That being said, having both the visual style and functionality of Microsoft’s Windows 10 does come at a price, with this launcher being the most unstable on the list.
6. Launcher 8 WP Style(Google Play)
If you don’t mind stepping back a couple of years, undeniably the best Windows themeAndroidlauncher is Launcher 8 WP Style. It’s been around for a few years now but brings with it Microsoft’s classic Metro style, which is largely what many users look for in a launcher. That’s coupled with fantastic levels of customization, rivaling Microsoft’s own mobile platform.
In fact, the launcher comes prepared with a range of built-in styles, meaning there’s little work to do in order to produce your ideal launcher environment.
7. Nova Launcher (Google Play)
The final launcher on our list is something a little bit different and that’s because it isn’t designed to be a Windows-themed launcher forAndroid. However, Nova Launcher definitely deserves a mention if you’re looking to create a customizable Windows-like experience on your phone. That’s largely helped by the fact that Nova Launcher is one of the most flexible, not to mention most popular, launchers onAndroid. This means you can tweak the launcher to create your own Windows experience.
Nova Launcher supports custom icon packs and widgets, meaning you can tweak your home screen to look and feel like Windows 10. However, it’s worth mentioning that many of Nova Launcher’s features are locked behind their premium version, meaning that users serious about creating their ownAndroidlauncher experience will have to shell out some cash.
There’s so many fantasticAndroidlaunchers out there that can help you bring the full Windows 10 experience to yoursmartphoneor tablet. In fact, the list is only likely to grow as Microsoft’s own mobile platform grows in popularity. Do you use a Windows-themed launcher forAndroid? Which is your favourite?
More about the topics:Android issues,windows 10
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
