How to install Android 5.0 Lollipop on Windows PC

There is some good news for Windows PC users, as the stunningly beautiful Android 5.0 Lollipop mobile operating system can now be installed on your computer in simple steps.

With Android 5.0 currently limited to a handful of Nexus devices (Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10), a large number of Android smartphones are still awaiting the Lollipop over-the-air (OTA) release around the globe.

Consequently, curious users who want to get a first-hand experience of the Lollipop update can try installing the same on their PC, using Android SDK and Android Virtual Device Manager, instead of waiting for their respective handset makers to release the OEM versions of Android 5.0 Lollipop on their device.

How it works?

Basically, you will be running the official Lollipop emulator on your computer. As the emulator is meant for developer purpose only, it may lead to untested bugs or errors with the software and may not deliver a full Nexus-like experience on your computer.

Pre-requisites

• A Windows based PC (Windows 7, 8).
• Ensure the latest Java SE Development Kit is installed on the computer.
• Android SDK must be installed on your PC. Download the latest version of Android SDK (32-bit or 64-bit) from the following link: developer.android.com/sdk/

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be liable for any damage to computer, during or after the installation of the provided software. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to install Android 5.0 Lollipop on Windows PC

Step 1: Download the Android SDK package from the provided link (above). If you are using zip file version, then extract the contents to a folder. However, if you downloaded the executable (.exe) setup file, run the setup and select a directory to install the Android SDK.

Step 2: Now launch the Android SDK Manager (SDK Manager.exe) from the folder containing the extracted files, or double-click the '.exe' setup file.

Step 3: The Android SDK Manager should start running and an array of tools and APIs will become accessible. But, you only need to select two items here: Android SDK Platform-tools and Android 5.0 (API 21). If you have a slower internet connection, go to step 4, else skip to step 5.

Step 4: Expand the Android 5.0 (API 21) section to see a list of files. For running the emulator, you do not require all of the files. Uncheck all files except for:

• SDK Platform
• ARM EABI v7a System Image
• Google APIs
• Google APIs ARM EABI v7a System Image

Scroll down and ensure no other item is checked.

Step 5: Once you verified the checklist of items (as seen in the list above), hit the Install button.

Step 6: A brief description of packages to be installed will appear on screen, and you will be prompted to accept license and agreement to continue. Then click Install to begin downloading all the required files for running Android 5.0, and once downloaded, it will automatically set up on your PC.

Step 7: Once the download is complete and the items are installed, open the Android SDK folder and run AVD Manager.exe.

Step 8: When the program launches, hit the Create button, and you should see a "Create new Android Virtual Device (AVD)" window pop-up.

Step 9: Fill the required details, select a device from the list as your virtual hardware, and finally set the Target as 'Android 5.0 – API Level 21′ in case it is not set by default. CPU/ABI option should be reading ARM (armeabi-v7a).

Note: It is advisable that you do not change the default values suggested by the AVD Manager. But, if have a PC that has less memory, only then it is recommended that you tone things down a bit.

Step 10: Once the new AVD is created, hit the OK button to save it and close the window.

Step 11: Then run the AVD Manager again, choose the created AVD, and hit the Start button.

Step 12: Once the Launch window pops up, enable the Scale display to real size option, unless you want to run emulator on full screen. You can alter the rest of the settings later, but for now, hit the Launch button.

Note: You may need to give it a couple of attempts, as emulator might experience a crash or two, given its beta release. If such an issue arises, just reboot your PC, and follow steps 7 through 12 again.

It might take some time to boot up Android virtually, but once done, you can enjoy the freshly installed Android Lollipop OS on your PC.

[Source: Redmond Pie]