Types of APK Files

Chief APK Description

.APK

File Ext:	.apk
Classification:	Android Package File

APK (Android Package Kit) is the foremost package file format used by the Android OS for disseminating and installing apps and middleware for mobile devices. It is comparable in certain respects to Windows' APPX and Ubuntu's Deb packages. Some Android apps are pre-installed in the device while some can be downloaded on Google Play or other platforms. However, users sometimes want to install the app manually from other sources and for that, they need to download an APK file to do so. You can use a simple archiver tool to view the contents of a APK file extension but it can only be installed in an Android platform.

Developer:	Google
Division:	Compressed Files
Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.apk

Software Programs That Open The Android Package File:

Google Android SDK by Google

Windows

Mac

Linux

BlueStacks by BlueStacks Corporation

Windows

Mac

Linux

WinZip by Corel

Windows

Mac

Android

7-Zip by Igor Pavlov

Windows

Android

Linux

WinRAR by Eugene Roshal

Windows

Mac

Android

Linux

Genymotion by Genymobile SAS

Windows

Mac

Linux

Web

Apple Archive Utility by Apple

Mac

Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe by Smith Micro Software

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

YouWave by YouWave Inc.

Windows

APK File Manager by LJ Mobile

Windows

Android

Droid Explorer by Ryan Conrad

Windows

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

APK Troubleshooting

Frequent APK Opening Issues

Google Android SDK Disappeared

You attempt to load your APK file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The APK File Extension". Customarily, this means that Google Android SDK is not installed on %%os%%. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.

Tip: Another APK-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.

Incorrect Google Android SDK Version

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Google Android SDK installed that's incompatible with your Android Package File type. Download the latest Google Android SDK version from the Google website to ensure you have the correct one installed. Most of the time your Android Package File file was created by a newer Google Android SDK than what you have installed.

Tip: If you right-click on your APK file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.

Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening APK files are due to having the wrong version of Google Android SDK installed.

Associated Difficulties Loading APK Files

Even with the correct version of Google Android SDK installed, you can still experience difficulties opening APKs. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening APK files. Problems unrelated to software:

• APK file references in the Windows Registry are broken
• Corruption of the APK file description inside the Registry
• Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the APK format
• Your APK file is corrupted (issues with your Android Package File file itself)
• Malware-tainted APK file can't be opened
• Device drivers of the hardware associated with your APK file are corrupt or out-of-date
• Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Android Package File file successfully