How to Play PC Games on Android (A Complete Guide)

Playing PC games used to mean being glued to a chair in front of a big screen. But what if I told you that you could fire up your favorite PC game from your Android phone — even while chilling on your couch, commuting, or stuck in a long family event?

If you’re a remote gamer, a casual player without a dedicated setup, or just need a quick way to get your fix during emergencies, this guide is for you.

Let’s break down how to play PC games on Android, using emulators, streaming, official ports, and one underrated but powerful tool: Deskin.

What You Should Know

you can play PC games on Android in several ways, depending on your setup and how much effort you want to put in.

• emulators allow your phone to act like a PC by mimicking its system.

• streaming apps let your android connect to your PC and mirror the game.

• some PC games are available as android versions with no setup needed.

you can’t install most PC games directly on android. the hardware and system are just too different. but there are reliable workarounds.

these are the three main ways to play PC games on Android:

• emulation: this method gives you the most control but takes some work. you’ll need an emulator app and a copy of the game. everything runs locally on your phone, so you don’t need a PC. it works well for older or low-spec games.

• streaming: this is the simplest way to play PC games on Android. you run the game on your PC, then stream it to your phone. it looks great and runs smooth if your network is stable. the catch is that your PC needs to stay powered on and connected.

• ports: a few PC games have been officially adapted for android. you just download them from the play store and play right away. no PC or extra apps required. the downside is that only certain games are available this way.

if you choose emulation, you’ll need a PC emulator that works on android. results vary. some games run fine, others crash or need tweaks.

you also need the game files. they should be DRM-free or open source. this list of free PC games is a good place to start. move the files to your android’s downloads folder before launching them in your emulator.

Method 1: How to Emulate PC Games on Android

Emulation lets you run PC software on a different system like android. you’ll need a PC emulator that works on android. it acts like a virtual machine that tricks the game into thinking it’s on a PC.

this method isn’t always smooth. some games run well, others might crash or not open at all. one emulator may work while another fails. getting it to work might take some trial and error.

popular emulator options include exagear, winlator, and box64.

before you start, make sure you have game files that don’t use DRM. if not, check this list of free PC games. move the game files to your android’s downloads folder so your emulator can detect and launch them.

Here’s how to play PC games on Android using Winlator:

1. Navigate to the Winlator repository on Github and download Winlator_x.x.apk.
   Get Winlator from Github

2. Open the Winlator_x.x.apk file on your Android device.

3. Tap Install.

4. Tap Open.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Tap Allow.

6. Allow Winlator to download and install the .obb file.
   
   

   

   You can also tap menu > settings, scroll to the bottom, and install the .obb file there.

   
   

7. Tap the + icon to create a new container.

8. Adjust the settings as necessary, then tap the check mark.
   Different games require different settings, so you might need to experiment to get your game to work.

9. Tap the ⋮ icon (three vertical dots) > Run.
   
   

   

   
   

10. Select Computer > D.
    
    

    

    Winlator will automatically find any games you placed in the Downloads folder on your Android.
    
    

11. Locate the game you want to play, and tap the executable (.exe) file.
    
    

    

    
    

12. The game will launch.

When to Use Emulation:

Use it if you don’t have access to a PC and want a fully on-phone solution. It’s great for classic or low-spec PC games.

Method 2: How to Stream PC Games on Android

This method needs either a gaming PC or a cloud service. the game runs on that system, then streams live to your android device through wifi or the internet.

if you use steam, the steam link app lets you play PC games on Android at no extra cost. you launch the game on your PC, and control it from your phone.

other streaming choices include geforce now, xbox game pass, and amazon luna. most of them need a subscription, but they offer access to a wide game library without owning a PC.

Here’s how to play PC games on Android with GeForce Now:

If you don’t already have a controller set up, connect a gamepad to your Android device before you get started. You’ll need a controller to play your games.

1. Download and install GeForce now on your Android device.
   Get GeForce Now from Google Play

2. Open GeForce Now on your Android, and tap AGREE & CONTINUE.

3. Tap the profile icon.

4. Select a login method to create your account, or select the method associated with your existing account.
   
   

   

   
   

5. Tap Play Now.

6. Tap Connect your store accounts.

7. Tap CONNECT next to the store you want to connect.
   
   

   

   
   

8. Log into the service you selected, and authorize the connection.

9. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
   You can also connect additional stores at this time if you like.

10. Tap Games.
    
    

    

    
    

11. Tap the game you want to play.

12.  Tap Play

    
    

    

13. Geforce Now will test your network and then stream the game.

Top Tools for Streaming

• Steam Link (Free for Steam games)

• GeForce NOW (Subscription-based cloud gaming)

• Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate required)

• DeskIn (More below 👇)

Method 3: How to Play PC Ports on Android

some PC games can be played on android without extra setup. they’re either released at the same time as the PC version or ported later by the developers.

you won’t find every title, but there are more options than you might expect. just open the google play store, search the game, and install it like any regular app.

this is the easiest way to play PC games on Android if the game you want is available.

To play a PC port on Android:

1. Open Google Play, and search for the title of the game you’re looking for.

2. If that game is available, it will appear in the search results.

3. Select the game.

4. Tap Buy or Get.

5. Install and play the game.

(Alternative) How to Play PC Games on Android with DeskIn

If you want full access to your PC games without tweaking emulators or relying on subscription services, deskin is a solid option. it’s a remote desktop app built with gamers in mind — designed to let you play PC games on android with minimal setup and high performance.

DeskIn works by streaming your PC screen directly to your android phone or tablet. but unlike typical remote desktop tools, it supports up to 144fps, 2k resolution, and has built-in controls for gamepad mapping, mouse emulation, and key customization.

how to play PC games on android using deskin:

1. install deskin on your PC and android device
   Get DeskIn & Installation Guide
   

2. open the app on both devices and log in using the same account
   
   

   

   
   

3. on your android, choose your PC to connect from the deskin dashboard
   
   

   

   
   

4. once connected, launch any game on your PC as usual
   
   

   

   
   

5. start playing from your phone using on-screen controls or a bluetooth controller
   
   

   

why deskin stands out:

• supports high refresh rate and resolution (up to 144fps, 2k)

• low latency and stable connection even on mobile networks

• works across windows, android, ios, macos, and web

• easy setup, no port forwarding or VPN required

• customize control layout or connect external gamepads

if you’re a gamer who needs performance and flexibility, deskin gives you the full desktop experience on android — without being tied to your desk.

Final Thoughts

Playing PC games on Android isn’t a pipe dream anymore. Whether you go with emulation, cloud streaming, or native ports — or unlock the full power of your rig with Deskin — the choice is yours.

If you want the smoothest experience without limits, Deskin is the most gamer-focused solution out there.

👉 Try Deskin for free today and bring your PC games anywhere.